Apple Watch 7 may finally fix the biggest limitation of the Apple Watch 6.

Patently Apple has found evidence that Apple is researching ways to extend the wearable's battery life. While there is no guarantee that the patent will become a reality, this concept of packing the battery into a watchband could easily be implemented.

The concept is easy to understand: the Battery Watch Band describes a way to increase the battery capacity of the Apple Watch without enlarging the Watch's casing or looking for more efficient power cells. The cells are sealed inside the strap to prevent them from coming into contact with the watch's metal casing.

This is a welcome improvement. The biggest drawback of the Apple Watch, even going back to the first generation, is its rather short battery life. While Samsung's Galaxy Watch 3 is durable for two days and Fitbit Sense for up to six days, we are lucky to get a full day of use out of the Apple Watch Series 6 (18 hours of rated use).

In order for the Apple Watch to be able to draw power from the strap, a new connector would have to be installed on the Apple Watch. Therefore, owners of older Apple Watches will likely not be able to benefit from the new band design unless Apple or other companies offer some sort of aftermarket modification.

Another consideration would be charging. Apple will probably have the charging band powered from the same magnetic cradle that the Watch itself uses. However, unless Apple increases the amperage of the charger, it could take longer to charge when power is needed.

While it may be too soon for Apple to turn this patent into an actual product, the Apple Watch 7 is expected to bring significant changes. In addition to a new case design, the ability to scan veins as a means of gesture control has been proposed.