Apple patents AirPods case with screen for music control without a smartphone.

A bonus for such a case is the ability to display incoming messages, navigation, and the Apple TV remote control.

Editors at Patently Apple have noticed yet another interesting patent that Apple has received in the U.S. This is a case for AirPods Pro with a touchscreen display. By using the screen and Siri, users will be able to launch apps like Apple Music and Maps, and then control them without the help of a smartphone.

The patent describes options for a headphone case with a screen, a touch surface, haptic feedback generators, device orientation sensors, and an audio system (either separately or in various combinations). This will enable the enhancement or even replacement of traditional data output methods (which in modern AirPods are limited to the headphones themselves).

According to the patent, users will be able to interact with the interface using their fingers or an Apple Pencil.

Illustrations: Patently Apple

The accompanying illustrations show various applications of the technology: from controlling music and audiobook playback to viewing messages and weather, managing video on Apple TV, and navigating using Apple Maps.

It's worth noting that patents do not always come to fruition: they are more a way for companies to secure technology for potential future use in one form or another.