Apple could launch new designs for its AirPods charging case that would be nearly impossible to lose.
The tech giant was granted a new patent on Monday describing the power supply as a bracelet around the wrist or a keychain ring.
The document shows images of a flexible U-shaped case in which users place the AirPods at each side and clasp the device closed.
Apple said the reasoning for the revamp is that ‘some activities do not permit the use of pockets or purses to store an electronic device,’ such as when exercising.
Apple was granted a new patent on Monday describing the power supply as a bracelet around the wrist or a keychain ring
The patent suggests a complete redesign of the charging case that would be a thin, flexible housing with a battery tucked inside
‘Accessories for portable electronic devices having features to retain the portable electronic device to the user, however, are traditionally bulky and may be uncomfortable, or may not provide certain desired features, such as charging capabilities,’ the patent titled ‘Wireless Headphone Accessory’ reads.
‘Thus, improvements and advances to accessories for electronic devices can be desirable to reliably retain the electronic device in a convenient form factor while providing other desired features.’
The housing portion of the case would be flexible or bendable, but the patent does not provide the materials it would use.
One half would include a flexible battery and the other an induction coil, which is a type of wireless power transfer.
And unlike the current AirPods charging case, volume controls would be placed on the outside and operated with a finger swipe.
This would be the only section that is not flexible – the patent describes it as a ‘rigid’ area.
The patent also suggests placing magnets at each end to close the loop into a circle.
The document shows images of a flexible U-shaped case in which users place the AirPods at each side and clasp the device closed
Apple then shared the best part of the new design – that the case can be worn as a bracelet or keychain
Apple then shared the best part of the new design – that the case can be worn as a bracelet or keychain.
A bracelet is the first example shown in the patent, suggesting the earbuds are placed inside each end, and the user clasps the U-shaped device to form a circle.
The patent also states the case could be placed around the wrist next to ‘a strap’ – hinting at an Apple Watch.
And because the device closes, it can also be used to hold keys.
‘The accessory can be secured to a keyring that also has keys secured thereto,’ the document reads.
‘While in use, the keys may contact the accessory, however the durable exterior of the accessory 910 can withstand such contact without showing significant or undesirable levels of wear of damage.’
There could also be the option of attaching the case to clothing, which Apple said would let the wearer use it as a speaker.
‘By producing or amplifying directional sound as shown, the accessory can allow the user to hear the sound while other people, even those standing directly next to the user, may not be able to hear the sound,’ Apple shared in the patent.
‘In this way, a user can, for example, continue a phone call being conducted through earbuds when the earbuds are in the accessory and can still maintain a desired level of privacy.’
