Apple granted a patent on the iRing and it sounds incredible

The latest iPhone and iPad launch only took place a matter of weeks ago, yet the folks at Apple already seem to be working on their next project.

The Californian technology giant was granted a patent for an iRing just last week. Despite being small enough to wear on your index finger, Mail Online reports that the gadget will be able to take photographs, text and tell the time. A camera, and a tiny touchscreen which is operated by thumb are expected to feature along with a microphone which will allow users to dictate text messages. It's also reported that the ring will feature more biometric sensors allowing its owner to monitor their heart rate. As is the case with the recently launched Apple watch, the ring is expected to interact with the owner's iPhone, with the patent saying: 'The use of touch-sensitive surfaces as input devices for computers and other devices has increased significantly in recent years.

‘A user controls an external electronic device with a finger ring-mounted touchscreen that includes a computer processor, wireless transceiver, and rechargeable power source.

‘The ring is worn on a first finger and receives an input from a second finger.’

Although a timescale for its launch is still unknown, we expect there'll be huge interest in the latest Apple product in the months ahead.