In a recently published patent application, Apple envisions an implementation of the watch with an optical sensor in place of the digital crown. As Patently Apple highlights,…
In a nutshell: The digital crown has been a staple on the Apple Watch since the first version launched in 2015. Modeled after the crown on traditional watches, the digital crown is a physical button that can be pressed or spun to assist with navigating watchOS. Future versions, however, could ship with an optical sensor in place of the digital crown, should an idea from a recent patent filing find its way into a finished product.
