All eyes are on Apple. The XR world and beyond are seemingly focused on whether the famed technology innovator will succeed in developing a game-changing MR headset by way of the Vision Pro.
The firm seems confident in its marketplace debut. Leading up to the device’s introduction at WWDC 2023, Apple revealed many details of the then-upcoming device via various patent requests, which built a neat image of the Vision Pro before official announcements began.
While some of Apple’s patented XR technologies made it into the forecasted Vision Pro product, others did not. Recently, and following speculation on a cheaper Vison Pro device from Apple, the firm filled a large number of immersive technology patent requests with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office accepted numerous Apple XR technology fillings this week – alongside 85 requests, XR and otherwise – which included considerations for the Vision Pro and smart glasses.
Is Apple working on Smart Glasses?
Found by PatentlyApple, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings include various requests for technology, namely covering head-mounted devices (HMDs).
Alongside some potential Vision Pro technology, the patent requests also appear to cover a smart glasses style of HMD. Notably, one of Apple’s patent requests converts a “tension controller” housed in what seems to be a lightweight smart glasses immersive device.
The tension controller enables a wearer to reduce the motion of smart glasses or HMD to improve device placement on an operator’s face. The patent illustration shows the tension controller sitting near a wearer’s ear on what very much appears to be smart glasses.
While speculative, the device in the illustration also appears to be much smaller and lighter than the Vision Pro – a cause for concern for some enterprise end-users. Specifically, it lacks a large front display and head strap. Recent rumours suggest that Apple is working on a cheaper headset sitting at a reduced price between $1,500 and $2,500 – down from the Vision Pro’s £3,499 price.
Maybe the smaller “smart glasses” seen in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings are the rumoured cheaper device – based on its size reductions. Details also reveal that the cheaper Vision Pro will replace the M-2 chip with an Apple A-series chip and remove the front-facing eyesight feature.
It is unclear if the smart glasses-based tension controller will see the light of day – however, it is likely. However, whether the patent will come via a cheaper Vision Pro or a lighter smart glasses product is unclear.
Most likely, the consumer version of the patent will sit somewhere between the lines of current forecasts for upcoming Apple XR products. However, based on previous Apple patent fillings that saw the light of day, the market may get blessed sooner rather than later.
Additionally, of its 85 patent requests, Apple also filled for MR headset-related technologies such as optical modules, foveated display systems, lens mounting systems, and a waveguided display system with adjustable lenses.
Vision Pro Coming in March 2024?
According to a recent report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly planning to launch its Vision Pro mixed reality (MR) headset in March 2022.
Apple planned to unveil the HMD in January but faced some issues with distribution and finalizing device testing.
Despite these setbacks, Apple remains on track to release its highly-anticipated premium headset in 2024.
The headset will first be available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Senior Bloomsberg Tech Analyst Mark Gurman and other experts predict Apple will showcase the Vision Pro headset at its spring event in March.
