Apple AR devices such as "Apple Glass," may feature cooling to keep the wearer comfortable, and minutely adjust AR/VR environments to make them seem natural.
Apple is developing a smart floor plan deduction system for HomeKit that could detect, analyze, and authenticate users and objects moving through an environment — allowing for deeper customization per user.
Apple has investigated methods of determining which apps get certain amounts of actual use by the user, and then allocating financial rewards to the developers based on that usage.
Apple is researching expanding the nano-texture glass that it introduced on the Pro Display XDR, to bring the technology's benefit of greater anti-reflective properties to the iPhone or iPad
Apple has managed to get most cases transferred to its home state, but its protest over a Uniloc suit has met with resistance from a judge who argues a move is unjustified.
Apple is researching an ambient light sensor that could be embedded underneath an iPhone display, a development that could aid in removing or reducing the screen notch.
Apple has been hit with a lawsuit alleging that its Apple Maps platform infringes on a pair of navigation-related patents.
A future iMac may automatically change the height and orientation of the display, as well as other settings depending on the logged-in user, in order to make the computing setup more ergonomic.
An Apple Watch band could be that which contains controllable protrusions, and Apple is researching elements that can be raised or lowered to present tactile information on the surface.
Rather than relying on one piece of plastic or rubber, future cases for the iPhone may detect when it is about to hit the ground and alter physical properties to better protect your device.
Like it did for 3d models for ARKit, Apple is developing a a new audio format that makes it easier to place sounds around a user, even when that user is moving, when wearing "Apple Glass," or other AR devices, possibly based on the company's work with Pixar.
Apple is researching ways where Siri can be better at assessing whether you really meant to call it, and also when you're done speaking to it.
More Apple devices may gain the Apple Watch method of using speakers to push out unwanted water, and Apple is also researching the use of heat to evaporate moisture.
Like Apple once did with Xcode and Xgrid, it wants to leverage all the processors you have across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad and make them work together for you when you need more processing power.
You can already get your lost iPhone or iPad to play a sound through Find My, but Apple is researching how the devices can signal and relay locations to each other without audible beeps or tones.
To bring the ability to track where a wearer's gaze and attention are focused, without requiring costly processing or battery-draining performance, Apple is having to develop a whole new system of eye tracking technology for "Apple Glass."
Future iPhones could use thermal or infrared imaging to supplement regular vision cameras, making it easier to use Apple AR in dark or busy environments.
Apple has been investigating how to improve on headphones, taking a century-old design and updating it to provide better comfort, more portability - and ways for the headphones to adjust themselves to fit how they're being worn.
Apple won't be able to get back any of the $454 million it paid to VirnetX for infringing patents even after those patents were invalidated, a judge ruled on Tuesday.
Apple's Taptic Engine could see big changes in the future, by contextually providing users with physical feedback only in specific places on an iPhone or Apple Watch, or deforming the case of the device to give the user a touchable alert.
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William Gallagher
Mike Peterson
Malcolm Owen
