14 DAY TRIAL // Apple’s future iPhone and Apple Watch models, could come with a gas detection feature, thus alerting users whenever harmful leaks are around.
A recent patent discovered by PatentlyApple indicates that Apple wants several gasses to be detected by its devices, including nitrogen monoxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH.sub.4).
As explained in the patent, the device would need to be fitted with a special “gas sensing device,” which is more of a sensor that would allow the iPhone to detect the presence of a specific gas.
It makes sense on the Apple Watch
However, this sensor would have to be exposed, so the bigger challenge for Apple would be not only to seamlessly integrate it into the design of its devices, but also to do the whole thing without affecting water-resistance.
“Apple’s patent claim #9 points to a “target gas consisting of at least one of ozone (O.sub.3), nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2), nitrogen monoxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH.sub.4), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and wherein the components of a gas mixture other than the target gas comprises poisoning species including siloxanes, sulfates, phosphates and chlorides, and/or interfering species such as water vapor,” the patent reads as explained by the aforementioned source.
While the patent seems to suggest that Apple wants to bring such tech to both the iPhone and the Apple Watch, I think it makes more sense on the latter, especially given the new health-oriented approach that the company has embraced for the smartwatch.
The Apple Watch Series 4, for example, introduces support for ECG, and with Apple trying to innovate in this particular market, such an upgrade would certainly align with the company’s push.
Nevertheless, it’s worth keeping in mind that this is still in patent stage and as always, this is by no means confirmation of a certain feature coming to the market.