New Apple patent suggests future iMacs could have built-in subwoofers

iMac Pro price

Few people would choose to listen to music through their computer’s inbuilt speakers, but the faff of plugging in external speakers could be a thing of the past if Apple’s latest patent is anything to go by.

The recently filed patent outlines plans to incorporate subwoofers into Apple displays, most likely the iMac, which has suffered in terms of audio quality in Apple’s pursuit of thinness. 

Playing it cool

Not only could the patented speakers improve sound quality, Apple has also described how they could be used to help keep the computer cool. 

Apple has outlined how the airflow generated by the subwoofers could act as a secondary cooling system, with signals sent from the control circuitry to the speakers in response to temperature measurements and the speakers increasing or decreasing their airflow accordingly. 

Furthermore, Apple noted that as the speakers move, airflow could be directed at specific parts of the computer that need to be cooled the most, and by directing warm air out of openings in the monitor. 

One of many patents

On the list of US companies that submit the most patents, Apple comes in at 11th, meaning that many of its inventions are never actually utilized in its products.

However, as this particular technology could improve not only the sound quality of iMacs and other machines, but also their overall efficiency, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it in future versions.  

Via Apple World Today

Olivia Tambini

Olivia was previously TechRadar's Senior Editor - Home Entertainment, covering everything from headphones to TVs. Based in London, she's a popular music graduate who worked in the music industry before finding her calling in journalism. She's previously been interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live on the subject of multi-room audio, chaired panel discussions on diversity in music festival lineups, and her bylines include T3, Stereoboard, What to Watch, Top Ten Reviews, Creative Bloq, and Croco Magazine. Olivia now has a career in PR.