Apple is reportedly working on a fabric band for Apple Watch that will measure blood pressure

In recent years, Apple has been dedicated to transforming its devices, like the iPhone and Apple Watch, from mere smart gadgets into medical-grade tools. Since 2019, the Cupertino giant has filed numerous patents aimed at developing non-invasive health monitoring solutions. The latest to these filings is a patent of a new fabric for wearable devices like Apple Watch. This innovative band, as described in a newly granted patent, could enable the Watch to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and more.
In November 2024, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple this patent. As detailed by Apple Insider, Apple describes a design of a unique fabric-based band that can stretch to fit snugly around a user’s wrist or other body parts. This stretchable band, potentially made of materials like nylon and spandex, is embedded with circuits and sensors capable of monitoring key health metrics, including blood pressure, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and respiration rate.
This new patent builds on an earlier 2019 patent titled “Fabric-based items with stretchable bands.” At the heart of Apple’s patent is a ring-shaped, stretchable fabric band designed to capture health data accurately by fitting securely around the user’s body. The patent describes how this fabric band could incorporate sensor circuits to monitor vital signs. These circuits, woven directly into the fabric, may include ECG sensors, blood pressure monitors, respiration sensors, and even wireless power-receiving coils, allowing the band to be a self-sustaining system. The conductive strands within the fabric form these coils, enabling wireless power transmission and reducing the need for frequent charging or battery replacement.

Diagram of a ring-shaped wearable band as mentioned in the patent.

Additionally, the patent describes how accelerometers within the fabric band could track physical activities, while other sensors might capture data on respiration rates, environmental factors, and even gestures or taps as user input.
Interestingly, the patent also suggests that this sensor-rich band could be used in wearables beyond the Apple Watch. Potential applications include headbands, armbands, athletic clothing, and even smart undergarments—all capable of relaying vital health metrics back to Apple devices. Apple envisions a more interconnected wearable ecosystem, where users can effortlessly monitor their health data across various devices and accessories.
Apple’s patent also addresses concerns common to wearable technology, such as durability and ease of cleaning. Apple notes that fabric-based items can lose accuracy or become difficult to maintain if not carefully designed. To address these issues, the new design includes resilience to high temperatures, allowing the items to withstand washing and drying without damage. This makes the band not only functional but also practical for everyday use.