Apple patent details temperature sensor for Apple Watch


A new temperature sensor has been rumored for an upcoming Apple Watch. The sensor would supposedly detect the wearer's temperature or at least temperature changes. A new Apple patent provides some insights into such capability.

While the patent could lend to multiple devices, drawings depict an Apple Watch. Apple files many patents that never end up in products, but this patent is interesting given the rumors and timing of an expected release.

The patent provides some technical details on how a temperature sensor could work, but it's probably more interesting to consider applications. Skin temperature poses problems for accuracy, so it will be interesting to see how such a sensor could be used. A sensor of just relative temperature could aid in tracking sleep and ovulation cycles. Illness could also be detected as an increase in average temperature if reliable absolute temperatures are not possible.

I'm interested in how this could be used for sleep tracking. Body temperature changes with circadian rhythms and can provide insights into sleep quality and improving sleep.