A new patent application suggests Apple could one day monitor a person's health using fabric, such as creating a headband that contains health sensors, according to AppleInsider.
Four notes:
1. The patent, titled "Fabric with Embedded Electrical Components" was published Jan. 10. It describes a fabric-based system that could be used to create clothing that connects to electrical devices, such as sensors. The system relies on weaving together fabric made of conductive and insulating yarns.
2. One potential use for this system would be clothing that monitors the wearer's health with sensors and delivers this data to a separate Apple device, such as an iPhone, AppleInsider suggested. Another use case could be creating headgear, such as a hat that can play music through built-in earbuds.
3. This marks one of a few recent Apple patents with potential health applications. In December, Apple was awarded a patent for wireless AirPod earbuds equipped with biometric sensors. A separate patent granted in late 2017 suggested Apple may expand its smartwatch capabilities to include blood pressure monitoring.
4. AppleInsider emphasized a patent application doesn't guarantee Apple will incorporate these ideas into its future products. However, it does offer potential hints into the company's areas of interest.
To read Apple's patent application, click here.