Apple could add a touchscreen to AirPods charging cases that let you watch movies

Apple could add a touch screen to its AirPods charging case that would allow users to activate apps, perform commands, and even watch movies.

This has been announced by the tech giant a new patent detailing the primary focus of the innovation is to allow users to access certain information without reaching for their iPhones.

The document describes the feature that gives access to audiobooks, maps, iMessage and the Weather app.

Images suggest the screen would sit on the front where the cover closes and could connect to an Apple Home device.

Apple explains that the interactive screen would “reduce the number of inputs from a user and produce a more efficient human-machine interface.”

The patent, which Patently Apple first reported on, was filed with the US Patent & Trademark Office on Sept. 19, 2022, suggesting that Apple is looking into the idea.

“There is a need for a headphone case that can control operations traditionally associated with headphones (e.g., playback control, switching audio source, changing audio output modes, etc.),” ​​the document reads.

The patent details several cases for how the screen would benefit users, while also noting that it wouldn’t replace the current touch controls on AirPods.

It is suggested that an optical sensor on the front of the case would house a camera to take selfies or enable video conferencing.

Others show that the touch screen allows users to search contacts, email clients, instant message friends, and view their calendars.

Apple would also give access to apps such as Stocks, Calculator and Alarm Clock.

An image shows a movie playing on screen and sound beaming through the AirPods, with similar shots showing a user listening to a radio show or an audiobook.

The charging case may have built-in haptic touch controls, which are activated when the user squeezes the case and switches audio modes.

Images suggest the screen would sit on the front where the cover closes and could connect to an Apple Home device

The patent describes several cases for how the screen would benefit users, while also noting that it would not replace the current touch controls on AirPods

While the patent sounds more realistic than many of Apple’s ideas, it’s not yet clear whether the screen will make it to the AirPods charging case.

The tech giant filed another patent in January 2022 for an in-ear biometric device that uses ultrasonic signals that are reflected off the walls of a user’s ear canal.

This would prevent people from using lost AirPods.

AirPods and other headphones pose a security risk because anyone can wear them to issue Siri commands or even access private information.

An image shows a movie playing on screen and sound beaming through the AirPods, with similar photos showing a user listening to a radio show or an audiobook

While Apple is filing for many patents that have not made it to market, the tech giant says this patent “relates generally to user identification and, more specifically, to user identification using headphones.”

However, AirPods are not explicitly mentioned in the patent, suggesting the product could come under a different name.

It would act as a new form of biometrics, just as facial recognition and fingerprint detection are already used to unlock smartphones.

Apple admits that conventional wireless headphones that connect to someone’s smartphone can typically be used by unauthorized persons.