Future Apple AirPods may get touch sensors, suggests new patent

The patent talks about “a touch-sensitive sensor positioned within the housing and adjacent to the exterior surface.”

AirPods Pro (Pixabay)

If you are an AirPods fan, you probably know that these and the previous iterations have force detection sensors, which you pinch to get the work done. However, in future, this tech might go missing and instead be replaced by touch sensors, something which other non-Apple earbuds already have. A proof of this is the new patent that is filed by the company.

Titled "Portable Listening Device with Sensors," the patent is said to be in regards to AirPods and AirPods Pro. The patent talks about “a touch-sensitive sensor positioned within the housing and adjacent to the exterior surface.” Also mentioned is that the sensors are placed on the outer side of the product that can “generate an interaction signal in response to detecting a touch of a user's finger.”

It has been mentioned that with the use of touch sensors, Apple might be able to fit in some more controls considering touch gestures can be used in more ways than hard pinch on the stem. It may also mean that AirPods or AirPods Pro in future could control the volume levels as well.

This patent shows up soon after Counterpoint's report that stated Apple's earbuds market being eaten up by some Chinese rivals. The iPhone maker, for now, stands third in the global market at 35% followed by brands like Xiaomi and Samsung at 10% and 6%.

A growing contingent of specialised Chinese brands has emerged on the scene, with models such as the $90 Lypertek Tevi offering a better fit and sound quality than AirPods at a lower price and the 1More True Wireless ANC outperforming the $250 AirPods Pro's noise-canceling at $180.