Apple studying how to make smart clothing, bags, and equipment

Patent detail showing a man possibly checking the time on his sleeve, instead of an Apple Watch
Apple is still researching ways to make fabric touch-sensitive so that it can embed controls or detect gestures in products beyond Apple Watch bands and iPhone cases. Apple previously researched what it called a fabric control system, focusing on how to embed controls into any fabric. A newly granted patent shows that Apple is taking this concept to the next level. The “Fabric Sensing Device”, explains how to use controls embedded in fabric, and why it is so desirable. Apple says that traditional electronic devices can include a variety input devices such as buttons, keys and trackballs. Apple says that some traditional electronic devices include a touchscreen or touch panel that can be configured to receive touch inputs from the user. “However, traditional input devices and touchscreens are formed using rigid substrate sheets and/or rigid materials,” it continues. “Therefore, they may be limited to specific form factors.” Apple is focusing on “touch-sensitive fabrics” to add controls to a “variety of consumer products.” The only example of a use-case shown in the patent application drawings is a user touching his or her sleeve, as if an illustrator had forgotten to draw a band for Apple Watch. It’s possible that Apple is only interested in this idea. Apple’s list includes more than the Apple Watch, perhaps because they are trying to cover all possible uses of their patent application. Apple says that “the devices described herein can be applied to a wide range of textile materials, including those that are used in consumer electronic products, clothing, clothing accessories and handbags. They may also be used for upholstered items and household textiles.” You can bet on the fact that if it ever becomes a product, you will see it in a new line of Apple Watch bands. Perhaps a MacBook Pro Sleeve could show the current battery level and have a button that would shut down the laptop. Detail from the patent showing how controls could be embedded in fabric. It could also be a seat cover for the Apple Car or you could stroke your couch’s arm to control an Apple TV 4K. Or, in a less exotic way, HomePods may have controls embedded into the mesh fabric rather than requiring a touchscreen at the top. Apple has also looked into this before. The patent is credited three inventors. All of them were listed on Apple’s prior fabric control patent application.