Apple's Latest Patent Will Let You Pick Up During a Voicemail Apple was awarded today a patent for technology that will enable iPhone users to listen to voicemails as they're being left, as well as to pick up mid-message.
By Geoff Weiss
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
For mobile users to whom voicemails are an irritating and time-consuming vestige of landline technology, Apple is seeking a solution.
The latest patent that the company has scooped up will enable customers to screen their voicemails -- a widely prevalent feature in the landline days of yore.
While mobile users can screen the majority of calls today via caller ID, U.S. Patent No. 8,666,034 will purportedly enable iPhone users to listen to voicemails as they're being left, as well as to pick up mid-message.
Related: Elon Musk Admits to 'Conversations' With Apple About Tesla
Per AppleInsider, the technology works by establishing a conference call connection between the incoming call, the voicemail system to which the missed call has been routed, and the user.
The company reportedly filed for the trademark in 2003.
Apple has been in the news of late for its recent bounty of patent grabs. Last month, the company won a trademark for a headphone system that can monitor biometric data -- including temperature, perspiration and heart rate.
Related: One in 5 Mac Users at Risk as Apple Stops Security Updates for Snow Leopard
