Apple Is Working On AirPods-Style Wireless Charging Case For Apple Watch

Hot on the heals of news that Apple has a patent in the works for what could be an OLED-based keyboard, we also now have a signal that the company is working on an Apple Watch charging case, similar to that offered as part of the AirPods bundle currently.

The theory is that the case would give users somewhere to store their Apple Watch when not in use, while also allowing it to be charged at the same time. This would be perfect for those who travel, for example.

While some may wonder how often they would make use of such a charging case, the patent application itself does make mention of the case’s ability to also store additional watch bands and, importantly, that some of those bands may also be powered themselves.

Some embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a case that can securely hold and store a portable electronic device, such as a wrist-worn or other wearable electronic device, along with one or more bands that can be used with the device. Embodiments of the case can include circuitry that can charge the stored electronic device and some embodiments can further include circuitry that can charge the one or more bands stored in the case if those bands have electronic components, such as circuitry, sensors and/or batteries, that also require power.

It’s possible that a watch band could be used as some sort of external battery, requiring charging itself, but it is also not beyond the realms of possibility that an Apple Watch band could also feature built-in sensors that the wearable itself does not posses.

There are of course plenty of third-party charging solutions on the market already, but as Apple clearly believes is the case with the upcoming AirPower and wireless charging case for AirPods, Apple’s first party option will likely be a better option for many Apple Watch users.

(source: USPTO)

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