The Future of the Apple Watch Digital Crown

The Apple Watch Digital Crown remains in active development at Apple, with new technologies that aim to improve its functionality. Future models may include light-sensitive or touch-sensitive sensors, according to a newly granted patent.

The new patent describes a method that replaces or complements the physical crown with sensors that detect touch or light. This approach can provide more precise input and an improved user experience. The methods set out in the patent can reduce the Digital Crown’s vulnerability to mechanical damage and make a more compact design possible, which then creates room for other components in the watch.

Although the patent refers only to a watch, the technologies described can also apply to Apple Vision Pro, which suggests that the Digital Crown innovations may serve broader purposes.