Apple’s latest patent: A smart ring that puts control at your fingertips

In a seismic shift, Apple today catapulted itself to the forefront of a nascent smart ring space, securing a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a finger-worn device that could rock the very foundations of personal computing interaction.

This avant-garde gizmo is no mere bauble. Through a series of swipes, twists, and gestures, the smart ring promises to unleash torrents of input to external devices from your fingertips. The patent depicts an inner and outer ring which can rotate independently or in tandem to intuitively control everything from MacBooks to AirPods.

Apple also demonstrates how different interaction methods can be used in conjunction with VR, AR, and/or MR systems for operation. Imagine using the iRing to control your virtual reality experience – the possibilities are endless!

apple-smart-ring

By tilting the ring vertically, shifting it horizontally, or combining these moves, users could seamlessly switch songs, adjust volume, snap photos, or even engage with augmented and virtual reality experiences. It’s Minority Report-level interactivity wrapped around your digit.

Apple is jumping feet first into uncharted waters. While smart rings already exist, none have achieved mainstream success or demonstrated game-changing use cases. By leapfrogging stagnant players, Apple could blaze a trail and popularize this emerging wearable frontier.

It won’t be smooth sailing though. Ergonomic challenges abound in packing advanced sensors and haptics into such a tiny chassis. Battery life limitations also loom menacingly. But if any company can elevate smart rings from geeky gadget to must-have tech accessory, it’s Apple.

The ramifications for input technology could be immense. This unassuming ring may be writing the first chapter in the story of a post-touchscreen future.buckle up, the age of fingerputers is nigh. Apple’s latest patent has set the stage for the small screen’s big successor.

Some are already speculating about what this could mean for the future of Apple devices. Will we see an iRing included with every purchase, or will it be sold separately?

EDITOR PICKED:

Apple’s Foldable iPhone Inches Closer to Reality, Review Apple Patent of Foldable

Apple HomePod Patent with Camera Approved: Simplify Smart Home Control Without Accurate Device Names

Latest

NVIDIA Project DIGITS: Desktop Supercomputer Personal AI Development, 1 Petaflop Power

NVIDIA aims to change that paradigm with Project DIGITS...

Microsoft Unveils AI Features for Copilot+ PCs: Transforming PC Experience

Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of AI integration in...

Meta ORION AI-Powered Glasses: The Next Big Tech Revolution is in Sight

The tech industry is on the brink of a...

Intel Strategic Shift: New Partnerships and Restructuring Pave the Way for Future Growth

Intel, the semiconductor giant, is making waves with a...

Newsletter

Don't miss

NVIDIA Project DIGITS: Desktop Supercomputer Personal AI Development, 1 Petaflop Power

NVIDIA aims to change that paradigm with Project DIGITS...

Microsoft Unveils AI Features for Copilot+ PCs: Transforming PC Experience

Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of AI integration in...

Meta ORION AI-Powered Glasses: The Next Big Tech Revolution is in Sight

The tech industry is on the brink of a...

Intel Strategic Shift: New Partnerships and Restructuring Pave the Way for Future Growth

Intel, the semiconductor giant, is making waves with a...

DJI NEO: The Pocket-Sized Drone That’s Changing Aerial Photography

DJI has thrown its hat into the ring with...
Max Hyland
Max Hyland
Long form contributor Apple iPhone, iPad, watch reviews, opinion, editorial

NVIDIA Project DIGITS: Desktop Supercomputer Personal AI Development, 1 Petaflop Power

NVIDIA aims to change that paradigm with Project DIGITS - a compact yet powerful AI supercomputer that fits right on your desk. NVIDIA's latest innovation...

Microsoft Unveils AI Features for Copilot+ PCs: Transforming PC Experience

Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of AI integration in personal computing with its latest announcement of new features for Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11....

Meta ORION AI-Powered Glasses: The Next Big Tech Revolution is in Sight

The tech industry is on the brink of a paradigm shift, with AI-powered glasses poised to become the next disruptive form factor. With a...