Just like the movie Back To The Future, Apple recently laid out detailed plans for self-lacing shoe technology. While the concept is enormously entertaining, it has many practical uses beyond simply being a luxurious benefit of high technology. To be clear, Apple has made no announcements about this advanced footwear. However, the U.S. Patent Office has filed and approved official documents, making this a possible future product.
Apple is quite prolific with patents, and while many come to fruition as actual products, systems, or components for sale to the public, others don't. That means any patent has the potential to go to market if Apple can justify the investment in research and development and sees sufficient demand from either consumers or businesses. For example, Apple's augmented reality/virtual reality headset that is expected to be seen sometime this year has featured prominently in several patents in recent months. In addition, the long-rumored and much-leaked Apple car is covered in multiple patent documents as well.
One of Apple's most exciting and entertaining patent wins revealed detailed drawings and descriptions of shoes that tighten automatically. This would be incredible to see and feel, bringing a bit of the Back To The Future fun off the big screen and onto the user's feet. The term user is appropriate since these sneakers would contain a fair amount of technology. Naturally, a motor is needed to tighten the laces, and the snugness and other settings would be adjustable with a paired iPhone or Apple Watch. While this design would save the wearer the effort of tying laces, sensors allow these shoes to detect and adjust to the changing size and environmental demands of an active foot. The idea for better sneakers might have arisen as engineers padded around the massive Apple Park complex.
Why An Apple Shoe
With sensors embedded in Apple's patented shoe design, it would be possible to detect increasing pressure and balance this with the user's need for a snug fit, taking steps to adjust tension in the laces appropriately. For example, a person that's at rest doesn't need shoes to be tight, and when removing or slipping on sneakers, very loose laces make this process easier. The tightness would also be adjustable via an iPhone or Apple Watch app, so these would be connected shoes.
Sensors that detect pressure changes could tighten the laces during periods of greater activity, adjusting to running or changing direction, making Apple's kicks ideal as athletic shoes. The motor and battery that tightens the laces would be placed at the back of the shoe or within the sole and is meant to be replaceable. While better fitting, intelligent shoes would be welcomed by anyone, these would be ideal for sports, running and hiking. There are obvious health and accessibility applications as well since putting on and lacing shoes is quite challenging for many people. While Apple might never produce its own shoes, they sound fascinating and would likely sell well.
Source: USPTO