Apple is working on a new fabric watch band with built-in health sensor

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch series is known to have transformed the lives of several users since its inception with multiple health-tracking features and accurate sensors. These wearables are known to offer advanced health-related warnings, and many users consider them as medical-grade tools. However, Apple isn’t resting on its laurels and has now filed several patents, including integrating sensors into the straps of upcoming Apple Watch models.

In November 2024, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted 38 new patents. However, the patent with number 12133743 spotted by Patently Apple describes how sensors can be embedded into a stretchable fabric band and that these sensors could measure anything from blood pressure to heart respiration levels.

Apple already sells stretchy fabric bands with its Apple Watches as straps, and this idea could be coupled with the upcoming Apple Watch series devices in the coming years. Further, the patent also explains that the circuitry inside the fabric could be used to receive wireless power, potentially letting you wirelessly juice the strap’s battery with supported chargers.

Moreover, the patent also notes that the technology might work well in a headband with elastic fabric, similar to the band used in the Vision Pro headset. However, this is not entirely a new concept as the Huawei Watch D2 can also track your blood pressure directly from its band.

With these new straps, Apple could also include resilience against high temperatures for these smart bands, allowing it to withstand extreme climate conditions.