Apple Explores Making A Detachable Watch With Built-In Camera In New Patent

Could Apple finally be integrating its high-tech cameras into the Apple Watch? Possibly, as per designs spotted by Patently Apple on the technology giant’s newest filings. Instead of using a third-party strap, the innovation features a detachable cover and band system.

In the patent, the current design of the smartwatch is replaced by a segmented band, with detachable space within the watch face’s nest for an image sensor, while the camera lens points through a cutout at the bottom of the housing.

The removable system would allow wearers to quickly remove the Apple Watch from its nest, so the device itself can be held up to capture images rather than remaining static on one’s wrist.

As PetaPixel notes, this would only be a small change from Apple’s current quick-release band design, but if there were cameras involved, it would allow for the attached camera to remain hidden against the wearer’s wrist till it’s in use.

Describing the watch, the patent goes into detail about various ways that the smartwatch can be extracted from the wrist, such as with a latch or magnet. Furthermore, apart from just a camera, the opening at the bottom of the band’s housing could allow for more sensors to be added.

This could pave the way for Apple to fully integrate heart rate monitoring capabilities, along with the ability to track blood oxygen levels, body temperature, and other health metrics that could even stretch to measuring blood pressure or blood sugar levels.

While the design touted in the patent certainly seems promising, not all patents filed by the company make it to store shelves. This detachable Apple Watch design may or may not come to life, though adding a camera to the already compact gadget will certainly make it easier on the go.

[via PetaPixel and Patently Apple, images via various sources]