In recent years, the rumor has often appeared that Apple is working on Apple Watch bands with built-in NFC chips. Thanks to a new patent that was awarded in June 2025, we now almost certainly know that Apple wants to introduce this technology.
Just like with Apple’s Magsafe products, think of the official iPhone Hoes and Magsafe Wallet, the Apple Watch can recognize the tape on the basis of NFC and then respond to it. Not only to activate a certain dial, but also for other purposes.
Apple Watch bands with NFC
Following a recently American patent in which Apple describes the operation of Apple Watch bands with an integrated NFC chip, new life has been breathed into this rumor. The NFC chip makes it possible for the tape to communicate directly with the Apple Watch as soon as you click it.
Recess with power supply
The patent describes a special recess in the watch cabinet in which the strap clicks. As soon as you attach the strap to the Apple Watch, the NFC reader reads the chip in the watch case and additional functions can be allocated based on that. Not only the NFC reader is interesting, a power supply would also be incorporated into it with the SmartConnector on the iPad. Through this connector, the tape can be provided with electricity and what can be interesting for straps with extra (health) functions.
Possible NFC functions
- Automatic recognition and personalization: The Apple Watch can automatically detect which strap is connected. Based on this, the appearance of the dial or the layout of apps can be adjusted. For example, a sports band could automatically show sporting functions, while a luxurious leather strap can unlock exclusive dials.
- Link to specific apps or services: The tape can be linked to certain apps or services, such as the workout app or even access control for, for example, a hotel room or business pass.
- Restriction of non-official bands: The patent also describes that the Apple Watch can give a warning or even disable functions if a non-authorized (third party) tape is connected. This would give Apple more control over the ecosystem of accessories, similar to Magsafe at the iPhone.
- Expansion with sensors: In addition to NFC, the patent also describes the possibility to incorporate extra sensors into the tape, for example for measuring biometric data or environmental factors.
Availability is waiting
Although Apple regularly applies for patents that ultimately never end up in a product, this patent appears to be further elaborated than usual. The details about alignment, wireless food and integration with hardware indicate that Apple is actually testing this technology. Yet it is not yet certain that these NFC bands will be on the market soon; Apple can always decide to adjust the design further or not to release it (for the time being).
