Patent application for AirPods case with display: Is the iPod making a comeback?

Apple's patent applications, even if often they do not result in products, always stimulate the imagination of onlookers. In addition to possible new devices, they at least allow conclusions to be drawn as to which topics are occupying the engineers in California. This includes a current invention from Cupertino, which, according to available documents, has been registered for protection of ideas in the USA. Specifically, it is about a type of AirPods case with an external display.

On 79 pages and with many illustrations, the paper, which is dated June 4, outlines various use cases: In addition to the obvious scenario of displaying the music controls, this AirPods case could also serve as a kind of controller for the HomePod mini, which is indicated in drawings.

An interface to AI?

Particular attention is being paid to the possibility of addressing a voice assistant via the smart case. Considering Apple's major plans to make greater use of artificial intelligence, this AirPods case could perhaps even become a fully-fledged end device th – similar to the AI Pin from Humane – offers its wearer access to a number of functions via voice control.

Of course, long-time Apple connoisseurs also think back to the iPod, which Apple discontinued a few years ago after interest in it waned as a result of the iPhone. A mixture of player and headphone storage could breathe new life into the iPod.

What patents say - and what they don't

The idea of this display case is at least not new, and Apple has been working on it for a remarkably long time. The company was granted a patent at the beginning of 2023 that provided for a similar design. However, experience shows that patents are often only used to secure ideas in the first place - in case they become reality at some point.

(mki)