Highlights
- Apple patents an AirPods case with a built-in touch display, drawing inspiration from the iPod nano.
- The display could control audio playback, activate Siri, and manage iMessages and weather updates.
- Design reminiscent of the sixth-generation iPod nano, featuring a sleek, rectangular touchscreen.
- Potential to transform the AirPods case into a multi-functional device, enhancing user convenience.
Apple is pretty notorious about revisiting and recasting its designs and products, often by drawing from its past successes.
The company might well take this to the next level by designing an AirPods case with a striking resemblance and function to the present-day iPod nano, according to a patent filing that was updated in recent weeks.
Apple Brings iPod nano Design to AirPods Cases
This patent application, which was originally filed in September 2022, describes an AirPods case featuring an in-built touch display.
That display could be used for a number of features, including controlling audio playback, activating and using Siri, receiving and responding to iMessages, checking weather forecasts, and even listening to audiobooks.
The design in Apple’s patent drawings is reminiscent of the sixth-generation iPod nano, with a small touchscreen display and a sleek, rectangular form factor.
While it might feel like going too far to give a charging case its own display, it wouldn’t be out of line with Apple’s apparent ambitions for AirPods to take them further upmarket.
This would eventually result in a product like “AirPods Ultra.”
A Versatile and Powerful AirPods Case
Since the launch of the original AirPods in 2016, Apple has continually added some low-key updates and enhancements to the various cases that house its wireless earbuds.
Later versions brought in support for wireless charging, a built-in speaker, USB-C connectivity, and Find My tracking capabilities.
With this patent, Apple seems to be considering that AirPods case might be transformed into some kind of iPod nano case of the current generation.
Just with the addition of the touch display, the case could turn into a multi-functional and robust device, allowing users to perform a whole range of operations without reference to the main gadget.
FAQs
What new feature is Apple considering for its AirPods case?
Apple is considering adding a built-in touch display to its AirPods case, inspired by the design of the iPod nano.
What functions could the touch display on the AirPods case perform?
The touch display could control audio playback, activate Siri, manage iMessages, check weather forecasts, and listen to audiobooks.
What is the design inspiration for the new AirPods case?
The design is reminiscent of the sixth-generation iPod nano, featuring a small touchscreen display and a sleek, rectangular form factor.
Why is Apple adding these features to the AirPods case?
Apple aims to enhance the functionality and convenience of the AirPods case, potentially transforming it into a versatile, multi-functional device.
What previous enhancements have been made to AirPods cases?
Previous updates to AirPods cases include support for wireless charging, a built-in speaker, USB-C connectivity, and Find My tracking capabilities.
Also Read: Apple AirPods Pro with USB Type-C Port Charging Case Tipped to Launch Later this Year: Ming-Chi Kuo