Is Apple working on an iWatch?

A new Apple patent application published this week suggests that the iPhone maker could very well be working on an iOS-powered smarwatch (iWatch?). The application was originally filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office back in August 2011, but didn't surface until today. It's titled "Bi-Stable Spring With Flexible Display" and it details a flexible touch-screen device. Reportedly, the device can be worn anywhere on the body, but as you can see from the the drawing above, it appears best suited for the wrist. 

There's no direct mention of it actually being a smartwatch, but the bi-stable springs are a near surefire indicator that it's intended as some kind of wristband. On top of that, other details mentioned in the patent line up with features one might find in an iWatch including playlist management and SMS capabilities. The technology would also enable its wearer to view his most recent calls. 

From the patent description:

"With a touch screen user input a user can accomplish a number of different tasks including adjusting the order of a current playlist, and reviewing a list of recent phone calls. A response to a current text message can even be managed given a simple virtual keyboard configuration across the face of the flexible display."

Apple's smartwatch would likely communicate with your iPhone over WiFi or Bluetooth. Now, let's just stop here for a minute so you can think about this question; When in the name of all things holy are you ever without your iPhone? I'm betting it takes rare circumstances for you to leave that thing behind. That said, if Apple truly is working on a smartwatch, it had damn well better find a really unique angle for it. Then again, Samsung is also rumored to have some kind of Galaxy Watch in the works, so maybe I'm just missing something here. Still, as far as wearable gadgets go, I'd say Google currently has the innovative edge with Glass.