Apple Granted Patent for External Flashlight on Apple Watch Bands, Could Come With Dedicated Battery

 The modular light assembly could be controlled, turned on or off via both a dedicated switch and the controls on the watch display.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Apple Watch models currently utilise the display as a flashlight

The light could be turned on, off via a dedicated switch or the display

It will cast light perpendicular to the plane defined by watch display

Apple Granted Patent for External Flashlight on Apple Watch Bands, Could Come With Dedicated Battery

We've come to accept flashlights as a core feature on smartphones, serving the dual purpose of acting as a camera flash while taking pictures in low light conditions and as a torch in the absence of light. But a dedicated flashlight on smartwatches remains a niche feature. That could change soon as Apple is reportedly looking to add an external flashlight to Apple Watch. The company has been granted a patent for an external flashlight to be fitted on the bands of Apple Watch models.

According to a report in Apple Insider, which first spotted the US patent application, the iPhone maker has filed for a patent for a modular light assembly designed for integration with wearable devices. In detailed diagrams, the patent application, which was published Thursday, shows an external flashlight module on the edge of the Apple Watch band close to the watch body.

According to the patent, the modular light assembly could be controlled, turned on or off via both a dedicated switch and the controls on the watch display. The external flashlight may also come with a dedicated battery to reduce battery drain for the watch. Additionally, as Apple Watch models are IP rated for water resistance and are meant to be worn while swimming, the external light module might also come with liquid resistance features, like seals or O-rings, to prevent liquid ingress to sensitive internal components, the patent said.