Apple patents smarter signal checks for faster network handoffs
Apple describes a method where a phone only starts detailed signal measurements when specific conditions are met, such as its location or time. This allows the device to switch to a better cell tower more efficiently without constantly checking every nearby signal.
In the filing’s own words
Some embodiments include a system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method, and/or computer program product and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for conditional layer 1 (L1) measurements. Some embodiments include a user equipment (UE) that can receive a configuration signal including an activation/deactivation condition for conditional layer 1 (L1) measurements, and determine that the activation/deactivation condition is satisfied for a target cell. The UE can activate/deactivate a conditional L1 measurement corresponding to the target cell. In some embodiments, responsive to an activated conditional L1 measurement satisfying a threshold value, the UE can initiate a cell switch to the target cell. In some embodiments, the activation/deactivation is based on a layer 3 (L3) measurement corresponding to the target cell, a location of the UE, or a determined time corresponding to the UE.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A user equipment (UE) comprising: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, configured to: receive, via the transceiver, a configuration signal comprising an activation condition for conditional layer 1 (L1) measurements; determine that the activation condition is satisfied for a target cell; activate a conditional L1 measurement corresponding to the target cell; and transmit, via the transceiver, data corresponding to the conditional L1 measurement.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- CONDITIONAL LAYER 1 (L1) MEASUREMENTS
- Publication number
- US20260281842A1
- Application number
- 19167533
- Filed
- Apr 6, 2023
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04W 36/00837 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/0058 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/00692 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/0088 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/322 Electricity & electronicsH04W 36/362 Electricity & electronicsMore from Apple in Networks & wireless
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.