Could AirPods cases soon be getting a touchscreen overhaul?
Not necessarily, but some patent-related developments from Apple show that this is indeed a possibility. Per MacRumors, by way of Patently Apple’s initial report, a patent first filed by Apple in provisional form in September 2021 and recently published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office includes a slew of figures showing a hypothetical touchscreen AirPods case in action.
As the patent details across numerous diagrams, the aim here would be to, in part, “enhance the operability of the devices and make the user-device interfaces more efficient.” An added bonus of these proposed tweaks, the patent argues, is a boost in battery life.
Among the explored case upgrade options seen in the documents are the ability to switch listening modes with a squeeze of the case, tactile touchscreen controls allowing for less involved Apple Music usage, and—of course—Siri interactions.
As with all things Apple, particularly developments of the largely speculative variety, word traveled fast on social media. Many were quick to compare this take on the AirPods case to a since-discontinued piece from Apple’s past, i.e. the once-ubiquitous iPod.
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The glorious return of the iPod is at hand
that’s literally an ipod
they keep adding useless shit to make the price go higher
Everyone saying yes until they charge you x4 because of just this feature
THEY KNOW WHO MOTHERS ARE
@PopBase ipods what a concept
Apple knowing it’s gonna make millions reselling the iPod Touch as AirPods:
This has been attracting some of the same old bad tech takes 1. Apple patents everything, even stuff that never ships 2. Everyone made fun of the original AirPods until they actually tried them, and now everyone loves wireless earbuds 3. An iPod for the 2020's would be awesome
Complex has reached out to Apple for comment. This story may be updated, although it’s worth noting the company doesn’t typically offer public comment on patent-related developments.
