Apple Watch Series 3 Prototype May Show Contacts for Potential 'Smart Bands'

[MacRumors]

Apple may have tested "Smart Bands" for the Apple Watch, according to a new image of a prototype device.

The image, shared by developer and prototype collector Giulio Zompetti, shows two metal contacts inside an Apple Watch Series 3 prototype's band slot, either side of the diagnostic port. Zompetti postulated that the "two unusual pads are exposed to the band," and may be a kind of iPad-like "Smart Connector," much like those from various iPad models, used to accommodate a "Smart Band."

Apple has filed a large number of patents around smart Apple Watch bands, indicating that it is something that the company has actively considered. Some patents showed how features such as biometric authentication, self-tightening, and LED progress indicators could be integrated into a band, while others explained a modular approach with batteries, displays, cameras, blood pressure sensors, and more.

The Apple Watch's hidden diagnostic port was once speculated to facilitate Smart Bands. At the time, the diagnostic connector, which is purportedly based on the design of the Lightning connector, was said to be capable of supporting future accessories.

Third-party accessory makers were able to develop an external battery band that could charge the Apple Watch through the diagnostic port, but changes to the Apple Watch's software prevented the strap from ever coming to market. However, other smart bands not reliant on the diagnostic port have become available in recent years.

In the past, Zompetti has shared images of prototype versions of the original Apple Watch, first-generation iPad, third-generation iPod touch, and iPhone 12 Pro.

Article Link: Apple Watch Series 3 Prototype May Show Contacts for Potential 'Smart Bands'

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I hope he doesn’t get a letter from Apple lawyers for sharing the pictures.

Hopefully the feature gets introduce to 2021 Series 7 Apple Watch.

 

[easy4lif]

I’m actually surprised apple never allowed or introduced smart bands. Extra battery, more sensors, health monitor.

such potential!

 

[4jasontv]

At the very least they could add an alarm that triggers a 'find my' alert if the watch were to ever fall off.

Not that I have ever had that happen with my series 3, 4, or 5 but it's one of the concerns I have heard from others.

 

[anthogag]

Smart bands would be cool.

LG already showed a flexible-strip type display at a tech show. Apple could wrap a flexible display around the wrist and the buckle/clasp would be the battery and other internals.

 

[apparatchik]

I’m actually surprised apple never allowed or introduced smart bands. Extra battery, more sensors, health monitor.

such potential!

A band that gives you one week battery life would be nice.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

A band that gives you one week battery life would be nice.

Wishful thinking…

 

[routine_analyst]

Wonder what was discovered during testing phase of the smart band connector?
Electric shock?
Bands breaking?
Burns?
Too much innovation?

 

[FrizzleFryBen]

Wishful thinking…

Fair, but how about a battery that lasts a full day?

 

[Mick-Mac]

I think smart bands has the potential to be a can of worms. I've only ever wanted a stainless steel band (which Apple charge a disgustingly high price for) so if the smart band didn't fit my style preferences then I'd have serious reservations about buying/wearing it...

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Fair, but how about a battery that lasts a full day?

Series 6 does that. I’m just waiting for the new re-design. That’s what we need.

 

[fwmireault]

Imagine trying to update your smart bands firmware on your S3, and you don’t have enough storage to update

oh wait…

 

[jz0309]

Fair, but how about a battery that lasts a full day?

My AW4 when new lasted me 2 days…
It all depends on your usage…

 

[apparatchik]

Wishful thinking…

It is literally a wish, my SE already lasts me 2 days, so the band would just have to provide two times the built-in battery, not a stretch per se...

 

[groove-agent]

A smart band with a camera would be great. It's the only thing keeping me from leaving my phone at home while jogging etc.

 

[yaxomoxay]

Fair, but how about a battery that lasts a full day?

My SE lasts a day and more. And I use it a lot.

 

[jz0309]

I hope he doesn’t get a letter from Apple lawyers for sharing the pictures.

Hopefully the feature gets introduce to 2021 Series 7 Apple Watch.

if it is indeed a prototype, Apple WILL find out how it got into their hands and will follow-up on that I bet ...
and if it is indeed a prototype, it is Apple's property and they have the right and the law on their side ...

You can do a lot with Photoshop ...

 

[Mac Spec]

Former Apple Retail employee here - early Apple Watches were "imaged" via a hardwired connection through those ports. The tool was black plastic with pins that matched up with what is shown in the photo. These were used for the watches in the display table table - the ones not touched by customers.

 

[subi257]

A band that gives you one week battery life would be nice.

But you would need one for both arms so that one doesn't look wimpy compared to the one with the 3lb battery.

 

[k1121j]

I feel like I’ve heard this before.

 

[subi257]

Fair, but how about a battery that lasts a full day?

Mine does, I top it off in the evening for about 30 min and then wear it at night for sleep monitoring and then top it off again in the morning for about 15-20 minutes.

 

[MvdM]

Imagine trying to update your smart bands firmware on your S3, and you don’t have enough storage to update

oh wait…

You think they would even fit the S3?
Would it not be very Apple to not let the bands fit the previous Watches?

Btw I think they will call them Magic Bands.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Maybe I’m misremembering - but didn’t we know about these ports back when S3 launched? I feel like I read this before and that this discovery spawned the whole “smart band” movement. Regardless, adding tech into their bands could be A) interesting and B) you think braided loops are pricey?

 

[MacFan782040]

The next Apple Watch needs to have magnetic watch bands. Obviously they need to be strong enough to not fall off but it would be so much easier to swap out different bands.

 

[rosegoldoli]

Former Apple Retail employee here - early Apple Watches were "imaged" via a hardwired connection through those ports. The tool was black plastic with pins that matched up with what is shown in the photo. These were used for the watches in the display table table - the ones not touched by customers.

mystery solved