Do the new AIRPODS come with a touch screen?

Apple could add a touch screen to its AirPods charging case that allows users to activate apps, execute commands, and even watch movies.

The tech giant has published a new patent detailing that the primary focus of the innovation is to allow users to access certain information without their iPhones.

The document describes the feature that allows access to audiobooks, maps, iMessage, and the weather app.

The images indicate that the screen will be placed on the front where the case is closed and can be connected to an Apple Home device.

Apple states that the interactive screen will "reduce the number of inputs from the user and produce a more efficient human-machine interface."

The patent, which was first reported by Patently Apple, was registered on September 19, 2022 with the US Patent and Trademark Office, indicating that Apple is exploring the idea.

The patent describes different cases of how the screen can benefit users while also noting that it will not replace the current touch controls on the AirPods.

And someone suggests that the optical sensor on the front of the case will contain a camera to take selfies or allow video chats.

Others show that the touchscreen will allow users to search contacts, email clients, instant message friends, and look at their calendars.

Apple will also allow access to apps such as the stocks, calculator and alarm clock.

The charging case can have built-in touch controls, which are activated when the user taps the case and changes sound modes.

Although the patent seems more realistic than many of Apple's ideas, it is not yet clear if the screen will make it to the AirPods charging case.

The tech giant filed another patent in January 2022 for an in-ear biometric device that uses ultrasonic signals that reflect off the walls of a user's ear canal.

This will prevent people from using your lost AirPods.

AirPods and other headphones pose a security risk because anyone can wear them to give Siri commands or even access private information.

Although Apple has filed several patents that have not made it to market, the tech giant says this patent "generally relates to user identification, and more specifically, to user identification using headphones."

However, the AirPods are not explicitly mentioned in the patent, which indicates that the product may come under a different name.

It will serve as a new form of biometrics, just like facial recognition and fingerprint detection are already used to unlock smartphones.

Apple admits that traditional wireless headphones that connect to a person's smartphone usually allow an unauthorized person to use them.