Apple desires to use ultrasonic technology to make AirPods more useful when they get wet

The US Patent and Trademark Office published Apple’s patent application for an advanced ultrasonic touch sensor. According to Patently Apple, the ultrasonic technology patent will apply to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. The traditional capacitive touch sensor used on the AirPods can experience sensing errors when in contact with water, sweat, and when in contact with gloves.

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Ultrasonic technology may make future AirPods Pro and AirPods Max easier to use when wet or while wearing gloves relatively small. Also, unlike capacitive touch-sensing systems, in some ultrasonic touch-sensing systems, the sensors/electrodes can be placed away from the touch area, and long-range touch sensing (eg, sonar) can be achieved.

Moreover, Apple’s patent application includes “ultrasonic touch-sensing capabilities” that could be used in future AirPods models. In addition, ultrasonic technology can improve the touch accuracy of AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Considering this is a patent filing, it’s not known when or if an Apple product using this technology will hit the market.

(via)