12 Groundbreaking AirPods Patents That Have Yet to See the Light of Day

A peek into what could be the next big updates for future AirPod models.

Apple’s continuous innovation in audio technology has led to numerous patents for their popular AirPods series.

Sure, not everything has actually been applied to their AirPods yet. But they at least still give a glimpse into potential future upgrades and what Apple has been working on behind closed doors.

Here are some interesting AirPods patents that have not yet been turned into real products.

1. AirPods Case With Touch Display

The AirPods Pro case might evolve into a miniature command center, according to a patent filed in March 2023.

Picture controlling your Apple Music, Apple TV+, or even Maps directly from the case. Users could use finger touches, gestures, or even an Apple Pencil, with feedback that feels like real buttons. No need to fish out your iPhone for simple tasks!

And, it’s not just about music control either. The smart case could also show weather updates, audiobook controls, or work as an Apple TV+ remote. A user can squeeze the case to change audio modes or settings while watching a show on Apple TV+, making it useful for more than just storing and charging the AirPods.

2. Bone Conduction and Cameras for AirPods Max

A November 2022 patent adds bone conduction transducers to Apple’s AirPods Max all to enhance both audio privacy and functionality.

Unlike traditional drivers, bone conduction sends sound through vibrations in the user’s skull. So, users can hear the audio without it being audible to others nearby. This would create a “private” channel for audio content.

At the same time, the open-back design would still let you hear what’s around you, keeping you aware of your surroundings.

This means you could listen to sensitive information without worrying about sound leakage while staying safe by being aware of what’s happening around you.

3. More Safety Features for AirPods Pro

Apple also planned to improve the safety features of AirPods Pro, especially for active users.

A September 2022 patent application describes earbuds with sensors that can detect objects or determine the user’s speed. If they detect a hazard, the earbuds can pause or lower the music volume to alert the user.

The system is smart enough to adjust audio in specific ways, such as pausing audio in one ear (typically the left ear when walking on the road) for enhanced safety.

Also, the patent mentions integration with specific apps for jogging or running. This offers better contextual awareness as it can potentially track when and where audio adjustments are made to balance entertainment and safety for different activities and environments.

4. AirPods Sleep Mask With Health Sensors

Filed in July 2022, this patent describes a sleep mask for AirPods that goes beyond simple audio playback.

The mask would cover the eyes and connect with AirPods to monitor eye and brain activity. This would allow the AirPods to support various health applications, such as sleep tracking and stress monitoring.

The design aims to help you relax and sleep better using sound and sensory feedback based on the health data it collects. For example, the fabric could provide soft lights that may help with gradual wake-up routines.

But what sets this concept apart is its comprehensive array of potential sensors.

Besides checking eye and brain activity, it could have force sensors, sensors to detect snoring, and sensors to know when something is neat. It may even have advanced health monitoring like blood pressure measurement and electrocardiography (ECG).

5. AirPods Case as a Universal Charging Dock

An April 2017 patent reveals a design for an AirPods case that could double as a universal wireless charging dock.

The design calls for the case to have a wireless power transmitter on its outer surface. This transmitter could charge various Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.

The patent explains how devices would line up with the wireless power sender to start charging when placed on the case. For example, an Apple Watch could start charging right away when set on the AirPods case, making it easy and portable.

6. Replaceable AirPods Mesh

For people who often get their AirPods dirty or damaged, Apple’s April 2021 patent offers a solution.

The patent proposes AirPods with a replaceable mesh covering the speakers. Based on this, the mesh would attach using magnets, making it easy to remove and replace without needing special tools or skills.

7. AirPods That Can Read Minds Using Biosignals

The July 2023 patent details AirPods capable of measuring biosignals and electrical brain activity.

The AirPods would have active and reference electrodes to pick up signals, including electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and electrooculography (EOG). With this, they can track the users’ health things like stress levels or mental focus, and alert them when needed.

The system is designed to collect data unobtrusively while the user engages in audio-related activities. Plus, it can dynamically select electrodes for the bestl signal capture to adapt to different users or changing conditions.

8. Bruxism Monitoring With AirPods

Another Apple patent related to health monitoring is one Apple presented in 2022 explaining how AirPods could monitor teeth grinding, known as bruxism.

Using motion sensors, the AirPods could detect vibrations through the skull bones during teeth grinding. They could then alert the user to their bruxism, allowing them to seek medical advice or treatment options.

9. Inner Ear Biometrics for Enhanced Security

Apple’s approach to securing AirPods Pro includes a patent filed that utilizes the unique biometrics of the inner ear to authenticate the owner.

For example, if you lose your AirPods in a public place, the finder won’t be able to use them. This is because their inner ear features will be different from the registered owner’s. So, only allowed users can access and use the AirPods.

But beyond just allowing or denying access, the system could also change device outputs based on user checking. This could lead to personalized experiences or different levels of use depending on who is using the AirPods.

10. Silent Gesture Sensor With Bio-Authentication Circuit

The concept of controlling AirPods Max through subtle facial movements or silent gestures first appeared in a 2020 patent. Here, Apple showed a feature in AirPods Max that uses bio-authentication to recognize commands from subtle facial movements or silent gestures.

This technology uses a sensor to detect small skin movements, such as those made when a person speaks or silently mouths words, allowing users to control their device without touching it or speaking loudly.

For example, users could control their AirPods Max by simply mouthing commands like “pause” or “next song.”

11. Integrated Cameras for Better Spatial Audio

Cameras in AirPods Max may seem unnecessary, but Apple clearly thought otherwise with a patent sent in on April 2020.

But, they’re not for taking photos. Instead, Apple is considering putting cameras in both AirPods Max and the Apple TV box to better position virtual speakers and enhance spatial audio.

The cameras identify where the user is compared to the screen and adjust virtual speaker locations accordingly. By doing so, the audio will become more realistic as it copies a surround sound experience similar to a home theater.

12. Volume Control via Head Movements and Gestures

An Apple patent dated March 2023 describes a new method for controlling the volume of AirPods using head movements and gestures.

This system would allow users to initiate volume control mode with a simple gesture, such as nodding or shaking their heads. Users could then adjust the volume by tilting their heads left or right, offering a hands-free method to modify audio settings without interrupting ongoing activities.