Apple has been continuing to research AirPod design in the hunt for the best fit for most users, but now it may have a way to personalize the earbuds for every individual wearer. The question is how to get precise ear measurements for millions of users.
Detail from the patent showing that fabric AirPods would still retain the basic shape of the current models – image credit: Apple.
As AirPods and AirPods Pro have continued to improve their sound quality, Apple has also attempted to make them fit better in users’ ears. Now a newly-granted patent called “Fabric-based earbuds” proposes the novel solution of customizing every pair for every buyer.
“An electronic device with a three-dimensional sensor may be used to capture three-dimensional images of one or both of the user’s ears,” says the patent. “The three-dimensional ear images may be provided to computing equipment that analyzes the images to determine the dimensions of the ear such as tragus and antitragus dimensions and concha dimensions.”