Magnets Could Keep Future EarPods in Place, Apple Patent Application Suggests

A patent Apple applied for in June may hint at a possibly abandoned method for keeping AirPods in place in users’ ears. The patent application, published Thursday, describes using hook-shaped implants that fit snugly around the ear. Additionally, each side of the hook would be magnetically charged — attracting each other from opposite sides of the ear wall — which, the patent contends, could help prevent the earbuds from falling out.

It’s worth noting that, as AppleInsider points out, some of the diagrams included show conventional wired earbuds, so it’s not known if the idea was meant to apply solely to AirPods. The patent does state the method could improve stability for both wired or wireless earphones, however.

Interestingly, some sources are reporting that the patent could apply to a future generation of AirPods. But since initial testing of Apple’s Bluetooth earphones show that they’re not as likely to fall out as EarPods are, it’s probably more likely that the patent is describing a method that Apple has abandoned in favor of a simpler workaround.

If the patent does describe an abandoned AirPods design, why Apple decided to nix the idea is up for debate. It may have been an aesthetic or ease-or-use reason, or it may be the fact that hooks would prevent the AirPods from fitting into their small charging case.

Another possible scenario is that the patent is a plan for a future generation of fitness-inspired headphones. Although the final version of AirPods doesn’t use hooks to keep them in place, some other Apple headphones do — such as the fitness-focused Powerbeats series.

For users paranoid about losing their AirPods — or for those who have had trouble with AirPods falling out of their ears — there are already a slew of third-party accessories meant to help the wireless earphones stay in place.