In researching types of displays that can be folded or bent, Apple is continuing to work on technology so iPhone displays themselves could "heal" the inevitable wear and tear.
Apple AR endeavors originally included a glasses or headset-free version that projected data onto real-world objects, including one concept where the user wore the projector itself.
Apple's upcoming patent infringement trial may be a little easier for the company after it convinced the Patent Trial and Appeal Board to review one of Seven Network's 16 patents being used against Apple in the lawsuit.
Apple AR glasses or VR headsets may include a switchable audio system that can provide a range of different listening modes, while also incorporating a system that could smoothly blend a real-world view with virtual imagery at speed.
If you can't decide between two items in a store, you may be able to hold them side by side and have "Apple Glass" display a rundown of the benefits of each.
Apple has practically confirmed the existence of its rumored "AirTags," with designs for the location tracking device surfacing showing a tightly-packed yet extremely compact accessory, as well as holsters and unexpected use cases.
The backlighting system of MacBook Pro keyboards could be upgraded to include TrueTone capabilities, with Apple examining the use of multiple LEDs per key to make the light seem even despite changes in the local environment.
Where a user is wearing "Apple Glass" or other head-mounted device, their iPhone may be able to recognize and respond to head gestures.
Apple is working on multiple methods to use a keyboard with a pair of augmented reality glasses or other head-mounted device, including virtual keyboards projected onto surfaces.
Apple is exploring using the wireless charging coil on an Apple Watch to also provide haptic feedback, potentially leading to smaller and thinner wearables.
Apple is researching iPhone displays that could be pulled or rolled out of a device to show a greater screen area when desired.
The Apple Glass smartglasses or an Apple-produced VR or AR headset could take advantage of other hardware to determine where it is and movements three-dimensional space, by sharing data about the local environment.
One of the company's many research efforts in strengthening the glass on every iPhone has now been revealed, and it involves using ceramic particles.
Apple wants the iPhone to replace drivers' licenses and any other form of ID, so it is working on technology to keep details secure when authenticating the holder's identity wirelessly.
Apple is researching how to move sensors from the bezel, and placing them in the screen itself, making it possible to have edge to edge displays on a future iPhone, or even an iMac or MacBook Pro.
A future MacBook Pro may do away with mechanical keyboard mechanisms entirely to eliminate issues with debris, by using a force-sensitive surface on a flexible area of the MacBook's casing to mimic the pressing of keys.
Apple is exploring the use of high-speed but short-range optical wireless communication systems to aid self-driving vehicles, such as the rumored "Apple Car".
As part of making Siri more useful, and leveraging all of your devices, future HomePods may be able to automatically take calls, using acoustic authentication to make sure the connection is secure.
For a product that Apple still hasn't officially admitted that it was working on, the "Apple Car" is getting a lot of research and development work, including steering, ventilation, and software-based self-adjusting sensors.
Apple is investigating hydrogen fuel cells in mobile devices as an alternative to present battery charging technology, partly to achieve far longer battery life, but also to be more ecologically sound.
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William Gallagher
Malcolm Owen
Mike Peterson
