According to Apple, an electronic device such as an iPhone or iPad may be provided with electronic components such as environmental sensors. An environmental sensor may include multiple sensor components such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor and a sound sensor (microphone).

The sensor components may be mounted within an enclosure that at least partially surrounds the sensor components. The enclosure may have an opening that allows sound and/or other environmental materials such as air to enter the enclosure and interact with the sensor components. The enclosure may include a rigid support structure and portion of a printed circuit such as a flexible printed circuit.

In a second patent on this subject matter Apple states that "Sensor circuitry may include ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, or other environmental sensors such as a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and other circuitry for making measurements of the environment surrounding the iDevice.

In Apple's patent FIG. 3 below we're able to see a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a device with a button to activate the environmental sensor.

For more details on this patent application click here and here

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