14 DAY TRIAL // Modularity is a concept that has been very appealing for smartphone makers, although it has received mixed reactions from the market. Nonetheless, Apple has found a new use for modular accessories, in the form of components for the Apple Watch.
On Tuesday, Apple was granted a patent that details a set of modular accessories for Apple Watch. The interesting feature of these accessories is that Apple might disguise them as bracelet links.
The patent was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office and carries the no. 9,553,625, according to Apple Insider. Judging by the pictures featured in the patent application, Apple’s modular accessories would add a more stylish feel to the Apple Watch and make sure that the device remains appealing to the market even after its initial sale.
Modular accessories could comprise batteries and sensors
The patent application describes a set of modular links that contain working electronic components, attached together by a flexible conductive material. The links have a traditional design and resemble the ones found in Apple’s Link Bracelet.
Apple mentioned that batteries, photovoltaic cells, electricity generators, cameras, haptic output devices, speakers and more can be incorporated in the links. The links could also contain biometric sensors, including blood pressure monitors, thermometers and sweat sensors for tracking the user’s health. This wouldn’t be surprising considering the popularity of standalone fitness trackers and apps for smartwatches and other mobile devices.
Apple’s links would function co-dependently to capture and deliver information to the Apple Watch. The nodes are attached to one another and to the 6-pin port on the Apple Watch. The links share a power line and each module has a unique identifier for the module control panel. Some links can be used as external ports for other electronic components like SIM cards or expandable memory modules.
This patent is no guarantee that Apple will actually develop this new technology or include it on a new Apple Watch, but it is highly likely considering that some users of existing Apple smartwatches have complained of the need to pair the device with an iPhone in order to conduct various tasks.
