Apple set the trend for TWS earbuds when it unveiled the AirPods back in 2016 with the iPhone 7 series. With the iPod being gone for good in 2022, it makes us wonder: will Apple ever make a “modern” iPod? One possible scenario is this patent that involves an AirPods case with a touchscreen display.
The idea is cool: imagine an AirPods case that can function like an iPod Nano (because of its size), but does have storage for a pair of wireless earbuds. While Nokia already has a feature phone with built-in TWS earbuds, the patent that Apple filed is more advanced than that.
Aside from having a touchscreen display, the patent for this advanced AirPods case will also include haptics so that the user can squeeze the case to change tracks. Aside from showing what music is currently playing, the touchscreen display can apprently be used to play video and show relevant information like weather, messages, and even maps. In short, this AirPods case is so advanced, it could be a whole new device on its own.
While Apple has yet made any details about this unique product, JBL does have something similar with the Tour Pro 2 TWS earbuds. Just like what’s in Apple’s patent filings, the Tour Pro 2 has a display on its case that lets you display information about your TWS earbuds, along with being able to adjust some settings without the need for grabbing your phone.
