Apple has figured out how to use the display and case of Apple Watch as antennas
According to recent patents, Apple is considering using the display and case of Apple Watch smartwatches as antennas for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and others. Attempts to combine the functionality of these components are driven by the desire for miniaturization and rational use of the internal space of devices.
The patent entitled “Electronic Devices with Millimeter Wave Measurement Capability” involves the use of a “phased array antenna”. Rather than using separate bulky antennas, Apple plans to distribute its functions to other watch components. The company believes that they will be able to induce antenna currents in components such as the display, touch panel, or case. The patent application describes in detail the possibility of implementing the reception and transmission of signals in different frequency ranges. It is reported that the display and case can be used as antennas for the U1 ultra-wideband chip, which, incidentally, is used in the Apple Watch Series 6.
The main idea of the patent is that the method described in it can not only save space but also increase the level of signal reception compared to using dedicated antennas. There are hopes that Apple will use these developments in the upcoming Apple Watch, which is rumored to have a blood glucose sensor.
