14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is already offering an LTE version of the Apple Watch that can theoretically work without an iPhone, but the Cupertino-based tech giant is looking into ways to make the smartwatch survive without any help from the smartphone.
And one step in this regard could be a new technology that brings a new wireless antenna integrated right into the display, essentially improving the Appel Watch capabilities of running independently.
Needless to say, the main benefit of such a technology would be the improved wireless connection speed, mostly because Wi-Fi support would be substantially more refined.
But on the other hand, it also paves the way for better Wi-Fi reception on the Apple Watch, as the current approach that’s being used on the smartphone is known for having its own limitations that lead to poor signal and slow speeds.
Not coming on the Apple Watch Series 6
What sets the new tech apart from the current version? Apple explains in a patent that by putting the antenna right into the display, the connection performance could end up being substantially improved.
“An electronic device such as a wristwatch may be provided with wireless circuitry and a display having a display module and a cover layer. The display module may include a dielectric layer. Touch sensor electrodes may be formed from conductive traces on the dielectric layer,” the patent reads.
“An antenna may be embedded within the display module. The antenna may include an antenna resonating element formed from a grid of intersecting conductive traces on the dielectric layer. The grid may have edges that define a lateral outline of the antenna resonating element. The outline may have a length that configures the antenna to radiate at a desired frequency. The antenna resonating element may be formed from indium tin oxide and may be substantially transparent.”
Needless to say, it’s important not to forget that this is just a patent for the time being, so it’s probably just a piece of technology that Apple wants to use in the long term. And of course, there are zero chances to see this going live on the Apple Watch Series 6 that’s set to debut in the fall.