Apple patent describes wristband that can conduct or assist in ECG measurements, among other benefits
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For at least five years Apple has been exploring how to non-invasively and conveniently measure the health of an Apple Watch wearer, in research that could apply to the Apple Vision Pro as well.
Apple is developing a new activity band for the Apple Watch and, if needed, other devices that would be made of stretchable fabric and take health measurements, including blood pressure. Back in 2019, it was granted a patent titled “Fabric-Based Articles with Stretchable Straps.”
It was granted the same patent again in November 2024. Apple filed for a patent for this version in 2022, but the application also mentions a 2020 edition.
So this isn’t some idle project by someone in the Apple Watch division at Apple Park, but an ongoing effort to research the topic. However, it may not be the most productive research, as it’s hard to even notice the differences between the various patents and patent applications.
Each of them describes methods in which the circuits can be used in such a wearable technology item.
“The stretchable band may be formed from an annular strip of stretchable fabric having an opening configured to fit around a portion of the user’s body,” the new version says. “The circuitry may be associated with the strands of the material in the stretchable band.”
“The circuitry may include a sensor circuit for taking measurements on the body portion, such as an electrocardiogram measurement, a blood pressure measurement, and a respiratory rate measurement,” it continues. “A coil formed from the conductive strands in the fabric-based article may be used by a wireless power receiving circuit in the fabric-based article to receive wireless power.”
While the most obvious application for such a band would be a future version of the Apple Watch, Apple has repeatedly been cautious about listing broader applications. However, since the first versions of this patent were filed, the Apple Vision Pro has been unveiled, and it’s now easy to see hints of it.
“As examples,” the patent says, “an elastic fabric wristband, an elastic fabric headband, or other wearable article incorporating elastic fabric (e.g., a hat, underwear worn on the torso or lower body of a wearer, a shirt, pants, shorts (e.g., bike shorts, board shorts, or other form-fitting clothing), yoga or other athletic clothing, an armband, an elastic waistband, a sock, a glove, etc.”
A portion of Apple’s patent showing a wearable ring-shaped wristband
The patent also identifies specific materials, including nylon and spandex, and whether the wristband could have electrodes for its electrocardiogram sensor.
Apple’s patent also notes that there are challenges associated with any wearable technology and its reliability during regular use.
“If care is not taken, items on fabric-based “The fabric may be configured to withstand relatively high temperatures, such as those associated with washing clothes,” it reads. “For example, a fabric item with sensing circuitry may not provide the desired performance. For example, a fabric item with sensing circuitry may not provide accurate data collection, may not interact with external equipment, or may be difficult to keep clean.”
As such, Apple’s patent details how such a bracelet could withstand the necessary cleaning.
“The fabric item may be configured to withstand relatively high temperatures, such as those associated with washing clothes,” it reads. “For example, the fabric item may have supercapacitors for storing energy and other electrical components that can be washed in hot water and dried in a clothes dryer without damage.”
Third parties previously attempted to produce Apple Watch bands that provide extra battery power, until changes to Apple’s design made that impossible.
The patent is credited to seven inventors. All seven people are also on the full list of inventors on a 2020 patent for hidden batteries inside an Apple Watch band.
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