Apple is exploring a thinner design for the Apple Watch Series 3, with haptic feedback being generated from within the watch’s wristband
According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple has filed a patent application for a “Band attachment mechanism with haptic response” which would alleviate the need for Apple to pack the haptic feedback mechanism within the shell of the Apple Watch, making the wearable slimmer and lighter on the wrist.
Designed to inform its wearer of incoming notifications, the proposed “Band attachment mechanism” would offer similar functionality to the current Apple Watch’s internal Taptic Engine, without the bulk of the component within the device itself.
Interestingly, the patent application was filed back in June 2016, meaning the technology is still relatively new to Apple however, given their Apple Watch upgrade cycle, it’s possible that the new technology could launch alongside the Apple Watch Series 3.
The Apple Watch Series 3 is rumoured to be unveiled in September 2017, with a sale date of March 2017. The new wearable is speculated to feature a front-facing camera for FaceTime video calling, a 4GB and 8GB model to provide runners with less reliance on their iPhones and as mentioned above, a slimmer overall product profile