Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 9 later this year alongside the iPhone 15 lineup. We are expecting some design changes and a faster processor, which will allow the wearable to handle additional sensor data that might be coming with the release. It is never too early to start speculating what the company could have in store for users in the future. Apple's patents are one way to know where the company sees its products in the coming years. The latest Apple patent describes an Apple Watch with a flexible wraparound display.
The latest Apple patent hints at a flexible Apple Watch with a wraparound display that can display more content
We already know that Apple files a lot of patents, and it is not necessary that each of them would see daylight anytime soon. However, patents also serve another purpose - to secure the design or technology so the competition can keep at bay. The latest patent filed by Apple is titled "Display Module And System Application" (via PatentlyApple)
The patent describes the Apple Watch with a flexible wraparound display that can be worn on the wrist. The giant screen could be used to display additional information, and it could house other uses as well. According to the information listed in the patent, Apple wants the wearable to become a single unit - the watch itself and the watch band. However, the wraparound display could pose a durability threat since the flexible screen has more surface area.
The company's blueprints highlight a bigger watch face area that stretches outwards and connects to the flexible display of the watch band. This will allow the wearable to have more usable screen real estate on the watch face area as well as the watch band itself. The patent also mentions that the approach would require the flexible Apple Watch to match the shape of the user's wrist. The relevant driver circuits would be adjusted on the back of the wearable as the two flexible screens will potentially be connected via ribbon cables.
As mentioned earlier, Apple files a plethora of patents, and it is unclear if the company will be looking to adopt the technology right away. The Apple Watch Series 9 is expected to come with a design similar to the current model and a faster S9 chip for enhanced performance. However, watchOS 10 could offer a plethora of additional capabilities. Apple could also use some parts of the patent and not the entire design. So be sure to take the news with a grain of salt.
