Future Apple Watch Bands Could Be Self-Adjusting, New Patent Reveals

Apple could be launching self-adjusting Apple Watch bands in the future if a newly granted patent is to be believed. These special bands are said to be designed to be adjustable through a tensioner system, making it easier for consumers to put them on.

Just this Tuesday, Apple was granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office a new patent with the no. 9,781,984. Entitled “Dynamic fit adjustment for wearable electronic devices,” the patent details various methods that could make the Apple Watch band adjustable with the use of an onboard tensioner.

The tensioner mechanism that Apple is considering will make it possible for the band to adjust to fit on the wrist either automatically or at the user’s request. Apple is of course going after this type of technology since it noted in the patent that standard bands have the tendency to become loose due to the wearer’s sweat or repeated motion. Hence, users who have very active lifestyles or those who engage in intense exercises could benefit from this invention.

From the looks of it, Apple also has a very practical reason behind the invention of the self-adjusting bands. Apparently, the Cupertino giant wants to make the biometric aspect of the Apple Watch a little more convenient. When the user is giving the Apple Watch an electronic instruction to obtain biometric data, the band could increase its tightness on the wrist by electronically actuating a tensioner.

The patent also presents more specific details on the potential solutions for system tensioning. These include the use of embedded shape memory wire, a ratcheting apparatus, standalone or built-in gas or fluid bladders, and retractable or extendable watch band elements. All of these solutions can potentially serve the purpose of tightening or loosening the wristband.

Comparing its invention with traditional Apple Watch bands, the Cupertino giant stated: “In many cases, conventional watch bands may catch, pinch, or pull a user’s hair or skin during use if the band is overly tight. In other cases, watch bands may slide along a user’s wrist, turn about a user’s wrist, or may be otherwise uncomfortable or bothersome to a user if the band is overly loose.” Apple further said that traditional watch bands exhibit these problems when users are engrossed in heightened physical activities.

It is still not known if Apple really wants to integrate its new invention into future Apple Watch devices. However, Apple Insider believes this is very likely for the company continues to roll out new bands every now and then. Besides, the self-adjusting bands would be beneficial to users who are very particular with the fit of their wearable. Moreover, a snug fit could ensure more accurate biometric sensor readings.

The new patent comes after Apple launched its new Apple Watch Series 3 smartwatch last month, alongside a whole new range of watch bands. The latest addition to its band styles is the Sport Loop, which iDownloadblog simply describes to be a lightweight, loop style wristband that is sweat-proof. This new band is made of woven nylon and is the first ever Velcro band from Apple.