A New Touchscreen AirPods Case Has Been Patented by Apple
Apple has obtained a patent for a newly designed AirPods case, which features a touchscreen on the front. The case’s screen could potentially give users access to basic apps and Siri without needing their phones.
AirPods have become a staple for millions worldwide since they released their first generation in 2016. The headphones are wireless and require a nearby connection to iPhones or other devices to stream audio. This may change, however, as Apple’s newest patent for the AirPods case has an interactive display.
According to Patently Apple, the AirPods case would feature a touchscreen, like that of an Apple Watch. By analyzing the patent, it has been hypothesized that the display would likely offer media controls and some apps. Those may include standard apps such as Maps and Weather.
The patent also references Siri commands which would allow the case’s user to switch between apps. An image included in the patent also displays the utilization of Handoff to allow the user to transfer a song from AirPods to a HomePod device.
Apple’s patent for the interactive Air Pods case pic.twitter.com/RDyIy0amEY
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 6, 2023
Apple files a lot of patents, which puts the likelihood of this redesign becoming an actuality in question. Apple filed the patent in September 2022, possibly for internal exploration of the concept. As of right now, however, there has not been actual talk of the device’s production. If the technology becomes a reality, it likely will be a while before it is released.
The news of the potential redesign made its way to Twitter, resulting in a mixed reaction. Some noted the potential case’s similarities to the iPod, which Apple has recently discontinued. Others are hopeful that the case will go into production.
Omg so AirPods are going to evolve to iPods??? pic.twitter.com/t5QqblgpHm
— The real Cookielookie 😎✌️😁🤩 (@itscookielookie) April 6, 2023
Tbf id prob buy that. My airpods first gen have lasted me ever since their first release. And this is after repeatedly loosing them. One time I lost them for months and when I found them again they still had charge!
— trap horror (@simp_4_slashers) April 6, 2023
Tech lovers likely will not have to wait too long for a new spin on the AirPods. Rumors are circulating that Apple hopes to ship new AirPods products in 2024 or early 2025. The new products are allegedly the AirPods Max 2 and a cheaper set of traditional AirPods.
For now, these new products are the only products concretely in production. Although, many are still keeping their fingers crossed for the new touchscreen model to hit the shelves. The current generation of AirPods is available to purchase at Apple.
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