Future Apple Watch Sensors May Match Watch Face Color to Your Band and Clothes

Apple is considering adding color sampling sensors to future Apple Watch models that would allow watch faces to match the color of the user's band and clothing (via Apple Insider).

Apple Watch International AUS BEL BRA Feature
In a patent this week granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, titled "Electronic Devices with Color Sampling Sensors," Apple describes how light sensors under the Apple Watch display could measure the color of external objects, with the aim of matching the background of the currently displayed watch face with the color of the wearer's clothing and band choice.

The patent explains how an optical sensor such as a camera, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, fingerprint sensor, or other light-based under-screen sensor could sample colors by emitting a sequence of red, green, and blue light towards an external object placed in its line of sight and measuring the RGB reflectance levels.

Control circuitry in the watch would then apply a band-specific algorithm to the color sample and match it with a predetermined list of watch band colors, while a clothing-specific algorithm would match the clothing within a specific color gamut.

After applying constraints to possible display colors, the control circuitry would mimic the sampled color on the Apple Watch face background, for a desirable uniform look.

As with any filed patent, the technology it describes is unlikely to launch in an Apple Watch anytime in the near future, if at all, but it does offer an interesting look at how Apple is exploring ways to make its flagship smartwatch a more color-coordinated timepiece as well as a health and fitness device.

Apple is continually researching ways to extend the range of sensors in the Apple Watch, which already includes heart rate tracking, irregular heart rhythm notifications, the ECG app, blood oxygen measuring, fall detection, and more.

In 2020, CEO Tim Cook said Apple is still "in the early innings" with the device, noting that the company is testing "mind blowing" capabilities in its labs, although not everything will see the light of day. "Think about the amount of sensors in your car," said Cook, adding "and arguably, your body is much more important than your car."

In February, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple has made major progress with its noninvasive blood glucose monitoring technology, allowing diabetics and others to test their blood glucose levels without needing to prick the skin for blood testing. However, it is still said to be several years away from being introduced in a future Apple Watch model.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Tag: Patent
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Top Rated Comments

colmaclean Avatar
28 months ago
Sorry, there's no room for a blood-glucose monitor because of the new wallpaper pattern scanner.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
28 months ago

Gimmick
Nothing new: “iNnoVaTIon”

Something new: “Gimmick”

Never stops.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
28 months ago
Nice gimmick but multi-iPhone support for one Apple Watch would be way cooler.

Imagine you connect your Apple Watch to your iPhone from Work and the interface, apps, settings etc. automatically change to the one related to this iPhone. Connecting your Apple Watch to your personal iPhone would automatically switch out everything to your private settings etc
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
28 months ago

Sorry, there's no room for a blood-glucose monitor because of the new wallpaper pattern scanner.
Yep that’s definitely the reason. Not the technology not being fully cooked for accurate readings.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RickDEGH Avatar
28 months ago
When did people start putting these ridiculous-looking armbands on their wrists?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pinkyyy ?? Avatar
27 months ago
This would be such a fun and cool feature to have in my opinion !
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)