“Future Apple Watch can recognize fake bands”

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Apple has received a patent for an NFC function in the Apple Watch, with which all kinds of functions are possible. For example, the band can ensure that a certain app is started or a color is chosen. But you can also get a warning that a tape is fake.

Gonny van der Zwaag | iCulture.nl – 22 March 2023, 8:19 whatsappfacebooktwittertelegramlinkedinmailprint

Earlier this year, a patent was filed to change the color of the Apple Watch straps. Now the US patent office has granted another patent, for Apple Watch bands with built-in NFC. That way the strap can communicate with the Apple Watch. This can be used in multiple ways: positive or negative.

For example, the Apple Watch can detect which band is connected and use that information to automatically adjust the watch face in terms of layout or color. With a sporty band, you may want apps that are more focused on sports. The Apple Watch can also launch a particular app, such as the Workout app. Apple could also decide that you can only use certain functions if an official tape is connected.

In this way, Apple could keep track of the use of third-party Apple Watch bands. This is what the patent says about it:

Upon determination that a band that is coupled to the device is not an authorized band, a warning may be provided using an output component of the device, and/or one or more features of the device may be disabled or otherwise modified.

Apple also describes how the watch strap can be paired with a certain app or service. Furthermore, the patent describes other components besides the NFC chip. These could be one or more sensors, for environmental factors, biometric factors and the like. In short: it can still go either way. It is unlikely that Apple will block the use of third party bands. But allowing extra functions if you have an official band is understandable. In any case, you get a little more bang for your buck.

See also

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