News.com covers some recently published patent applications from Apple.
The list includes technologies related to Expose, Video conferencing, music submissions and iPod technology.
The "Media player with acceleration protection" patent (applied in June 2003) covers fall protection for the iPod:
The portable computing device protects its disk drive by monitoring for such accelerations and operating to avoid usage of the disk drive during periods of acceleration. Through such protection, the likelihood of damage to the disk drive or loss of data stored on the disk drive is able to be substantially reduced. According to another aspect, a user of a portable computing device can be alerted when the portable computing device is being subjected to undesirable levels of acceleration.
Of note, IBM introduced similar technology in their ThinkPad notebooks in late 2003.
[UPDATE] - Another patent has surfaced today - "Apparatus for remotely controlling a digital processing system" - otherwise known as a mouse with a touch-sensitive scroll mechanism. Since its inception, Apple has not directly offered a mouse with a scroll wheel except from third parties.
With iOS 26, Apple is bringing several new features to the AirPods, making them more useful than before. The added functionality will be available this fall when Apple releases iOS 26 and updated AirPods firmware, but you can test everything new right now.
Camera Remote
The AirPods can be used as a camera remote for the Camera app or third-party iOS camera apps. You'll need to enable the...
The iPhone 17 series is now just weeks away. Apple's iPhone 17 event this year is rumored to be scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows the traditional pattern, iPhone 17 pre-orders would begin on the Friday, September 12. The new devices would then likely reach customers and retail stores the following Friday, September 19.
If you're in the market for a new iPhone this year, or ...
There's just about a month to go until Apple unveils the Apple Watch Series 11 models at its September event. Last year we got display upgrades, and this year, there could be new health features. We've recapped all of the current Apple Watch Series 11 rumors for a quick preview of what might be coming.
Faster Chip
Apple is likely planning to introduce an updated S11 chip that offers a more...
As previously announced, this Saturday will be the final day of business for Apple Bristol in Bristol, England and Apple Parkland in Dalian, China.
The relocated Apple Touchwood Centre near Birmingham
Both of the stores will be permanently closing tomorrow, for landlord-related reasons. Apple Bristol is closing due to the landlord's redevelopment plans at the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, and ...
Monday August 11, 2025 1:38 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple's rumored new more affordable MacBook could have a starting price as low as $599 and launch as soon as this year, according to a new report out of Asia.
We first learned of Apple's low-cost MacBook plans in late June, when analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the company was developing a "more affordable" 13-inch laptop that would compete with Chromebooks and drive MacBook purchases, though he...
Tuesday August 5, 2025 2:03 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Despite being over two years old, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 still dominate the premium wireless‑earbud space, thanks to a potent mix of top‑tier audio, class‑leading noise cancellation, and Apple's habit of delivering major new features through software updates. Rumors suggest AirPods Pro 3 could arrive as soon as September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, giving prospective AirPods...
The calendar has turned to August, and that means the iPhone 17 series is just one month away. Apple has yet to officially announce an event, but it has been rumored that the devices will be announced on Tuesday, September 9.
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Below is the August 2025 edition of our iPhone 17 Pro rumor recap, for an up-to-date overview of what to...
Saturday August 9, 2025 6:03 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol
iOS 26 introduces a new Liquid Glass design, but the update also includes some other new features that have not received as much attention.
Below, we recap three smaller iOS 26 features that you might have missed.
iOS 26 should be released in September, but anyone can sign up to test the public beta for free. Make sure to back up your iPhone first.
Adaptive Power Mode
iOS 26...
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
