The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 69 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In this particular report we briefly cover an Apple SoC with an Always-On processor along with a series of design patents for AirPods Max, the Mac Pro tower and iPhone 12. Our report also covers a series of trademarks filed around the globe for "Center Stage" and more. And as always, we wrap up this week's granted patent report with our traditional listing of the remaining granted patents that were issued to Apple today.

System on a Chip with Always-On Processor

Apple was granted their third patent for "System on a chip with always-on processor." While the Apple Watch was the first device to introduce an Always-On feature, it was rumored on July 19^th that this feature could be coming to a future iPhone, even iPhone 13.

Technically, Apple's invention covers devices beyond Apple Watch. Apple's background pointed to all key mobile devices where an Always-On feature could one day apply including iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more.

Apple's patent FIG. 2 below is a block diagram of one embodiment of the always-on component #16. In the illustrated embodiment, the always-on component may include a processor (#40), a memory (#42), a sensor capture module (SCM, #44), an SOC reconfiguration circuit (#46), a local PMGR (#48), and an interconnect (#50). The SCM may also be referred to as a sensor capture unit or a sensor capture circuit.

For more details, review granted patent 11,079,261.

This Week's Key Design Patents

Today the U.S Patent Office granted Apple a series of design patents. The key designs that were issued cover Apple's AirPods Max headphones, the Mac Pro tower and two for the iPhone 12.

The Remaining Patents Granted to Apple Today

Recent Trademark Activity

Over the last week there's been some trademark filings made around the globe.

In China: Apple filed for "macOS Monterey" under number 305697604, "MagSafe Battery Pack" under number 305701518 and "Center Stage" under number 305702265.

In Europe: Apple filed for "Sound Check Radio" under number 018522657.

In U.S.A.: Apple filed for "Center Stage" under number 90849159. It was filed under International Class 009: "Downloadable computer software for use in videoconferencing and video calls; downloadable computer software used to control and adjust a video camera during videoconferences and video calls."

In late April, Apple introduced iPad Pro with the M1 Processor that came with an all-new Ultra-Wide front camera and "Center Stage" – a new feature that automatically keeps users perfectly framed for even more engaging video calls.