Not every new feature has to be revolutionary to the point of changing the world. Sometimes the greatest virtue lies in the small details.. We want a lot more from Apple than an Apple Watch with a built-in flashlight, although that doesn’t mean we’re missing out on the utility it would provide. Especially since it’s something they’re already planning.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office is the authority with which Apple (and many other North American companies) registers its developments and one of the latest describes a flashlight attached to the Apple Watch band. And also with a system that would take into account the idea of not affecting the watch battery.
There is already a “flashlight” on the Apple Watch, although it is much better
From personal experience, I can attest How useful is a flashlight on a watch like the Apple Watch?. Even if it is for sporadic use. There are a few situations that illustrate this; I always remember the typical situation of being loaded down with bags, my door landing light going out and not being able to insert the key in the door.
Currently, the Apple Watch uses its own screen as a flashlight, activatable from the control center and with several functions that implement a fixed or flashing white light. There is even a red option for emergencies. The fact is that, although it shines, the maximum brightness of the screen limits its range considerably.
In the aforementioned Apple patent, number 2023/0393635 registered on December 7, we find a very detailed description of how Apple plans to implement a flashlight on the watch strap. I would make it through a small cylindrical capsule at the top of the bracelet which could be activated from this same place with a physical button or from the Apple Watch system itself.
This flashlight would also have an independent battery to prevent the watch’s battery from suffering, which would be appreciated if we take into account that the autonomy of the Apple Watch can be quite limited. Likewise, Apple describes a certain waterproofness which would make it resist ant to liquids
The usual patent story: it may happen… or not
Something is happening with Apple’s patents and this is it Every year, they file dozens and dozens of patents. In fact, it is not something strange, because it is a way of protecting their developments so that, if someone is informed in advance or if there is an internal denunciation, they can have the right to claim ownership.
And yes, it is obvious that this means that, at the very least, the company is discussing this possibility. However, a billion things can happen that prevent this project from happening. Whether the development is impractical due to technological problems, whether it is too expensive, whether a better formula is found for its implementation or whether those responsible simply refuse that it is a good idea.
Although this technology continues to develop, there is no guarantee that it will arrive in the near term. While this could be an implementation for the next Apple Watch, it could also be for hypothetical models that launch in 2030. Who knows.
This is why we must take these types of patents with caution. As proof of the innovations proposed for the Apple Watch, it is curious and interesting to say the least. If this ends up coming to fruition, it will also remain to be seen whether it is something that is offered as standard on all bracelets, even if only on some and… at what price.
More information | United States Patent and Trademark Office
In Applesfera | How to have WhatsApp on an Apple Watch