Apple patents smart ring controller and AR ride‑hailing locator

Apple has disclosed two separate patent filings that expand its ecosystem control and augmented‑reality capabilities. One patent describes a smart ring worn on the finger that captures hand position, direction and gestures, using multiple sensors and eye‑tracking to issue commands to other Apple devices such as iPhone, Mac, Apple TV, MR headset and smart‑home products. The ring can also operate independently, offering health‑monitoring functions whose data may be shared across Apple devices, though the patent does not indicate an imminent commercial product.

A second patent approved for Apple outlines an augmented‑reality interface for iPhone that scans the surrounding environment to pinpoint the exact location of a passenger’s booked ride‑hailing vehicle. The AR overlay helps users identify the correct car in crowded or obstructed areas and can also assist drivers in locating waiting passengers, building on Apple Maps’ existing AR navigation features.