While the release of the Apple Watch 2 appears to have been pushed from March to later in the year, speculations continue about the features that might appear on it. A recent patent has hinted that Apple is working on a magnetic wristband that can also be used to create a cover for the wearable.

As soon as the patent was made public, it was picked up by Apple Insider, which reported that Apple was actively looking into making a watch band that could transform into a protective case and it could arrive with the Watch 2. The patent application further revealed that the magnetic wristband being developed by Apple would be similar to existing bands such as the Milanese loop version and also the leather option. However, once the band is removed from the wrist of the user, they will be able to manipulate it further and position it over the screen of the watch and ensure it is not damaged.

Apple even indicated in the patent for the magnetic wristband that when the smartwatch is removed from the wrist, it could be subjected to even more wear and tear than when it is being worn by the user. Therefore, a wristband that doubles as a protective cover for the body of the watch would be a big benefit for the user.

As for the design of the band, it will be composed of a bendable material and it is expected to have a number of magnets incorporated into it. This bendable material will ensure the band can be used as a strap, or it can be removed from the user's wrist and then be attached onto another surface like that of a computer or a laptop where the time can be viewed.

However, since this is just a patent application that was filed in August 2015, industry experts are not sure if the patent will even result in a similar product ever being released in the market. Importantly, many patents end up never leaving the drawing board while others often only reach the prototype stage before they are abandoned.