Apple has received a US patent for creating self-adjusting Apple Watch bands, which means magnetic clasps and other fasteners seen in current generation hardware could be things of the past soon. Apple's new patent is for "Dynamic fit adjustment for wearable electronic devices" that details methods in which a wearable device like Apple Watch can tighten or loosen an attached strap via an on-board tensioner, Apple Insider reported late on Tuesday.
The company, in its patent document, stated fallouts of conventional watch bands such as being cumbersome, inconvenient to adjust and require multiple steps to achieve a desired fit. Conventional methods also fail to offer size increments suitable for Apple Watch users that results in an imperfect fit.
So for the ease of usage, Apple has suggested a system wherein the watch band can be adjusted automatically, or as per users' instructions by making use of a tensioner mechanism. As per Apple Insider, Apple's patent document also details a variety of solutions for system tensioning such as embedded shape memory wire, an internal ratcheting apparatus, gas or fluid bladders (standalone or built into the strap), retractable band elements and extendable portions of the device housing. "With the latter method, a portion or portions of an Apple Watch chassis, or alternatively its band, extend out toward a user's skin, thereby tightening the band's fit," states the report.
Apple launched its Watch Series 3 last month with built-in cellular to let users stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more, even if the iPhone is not nearby.