A new Apple patent filing published by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) titled “Electronic device with speaker enclosure sensor” details an embedded environmental sensor capable of sampling both gas and liquids, which may be integrated in future iPhones, Apple Watches and other iOS devices, warning users of potential dangers in their surrounding environment (via AppleInsider).
The application covers a method of integrating the environmental sensor into a device speaker cavity, where it can sample materials and also say moderately protected. Embedding such a sensor inside a mobile device is however not easy, since sensors capable of measuring air quality and other parameters require exposure to conditions not suitable to sensitive electronics. Apple suggests a hardware array for embedding the sensor, that includes a moving diaphragm in an empty cavity.
As the component is designed to weather the elements thanks to various vents, seals and other supporting features, it is an ideal fit for the proposed environmental sensor placement.
Apple notes the proposed sensor suite can include any number of components, including a temperature sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a particulate sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, an ozone sensor, other gas sensors, a humidity sensor, a moisture sensor, chemical and biological substance sensors and more.
Apple says that environmental sensor data can be combined with readings from sensors like accelerometers, for more advanced alerts. The patent was first filed for in May 2015.
