Apple is gearing up to launch its recently announced Vision Pro headset to the public. Until now, the company has only let developers use the headset to curate bugs and create appropriate use cases. While the company also allows some personnel to try the Vision Pro headset for testing purposes, the complete list of features is unknown. A new patent highlights that the company is considering using the external display on the Vision Pro to show what the wearer is looking at inside the headset.
Apple filed a patent for a feature that shows information on the outer display of the Vision Pro, revealing what the wearer is looking at
Apple has filed patents for various use cases for the external display of the Vision Pro headset. As pointed out by The Verge, Apple is considering using the outer display of the headset to show information regarding what is being viewed inside the device. For instance, if you are using the camera to take pictures on the headset, the outer screen could show the camera icon, letting others know that you are using a specific feature of the wearable.
A new patent granted to Apple details how the company is thinking of using the Vision Pro’s external display to show what the wearer is looking at inside the device.
This specific use case for the outer screen could be helpful in various scenarios. For instance, you can check on your kids to see what type of content they consume on the headset. The feature could allow people to know if you are taking pictures or recording videos in outdoor situations. However, it is unclear at this stage if the feature will be available by default or if users can customize it. It could be part of the parental controls or the Accessibility features. Note that it also poses some privacy risks, as anyone can see what app or feature you are using. Henceforth, the company must consider the pros and cons before bringing the feature to visionOS.
However, the feature currently rests in a patent, and we are unsure if the feature will roll out with the forthcoming launch of the Vision Pro headset. The company has also filed a boatload of additional patents, highlighting other use cases for the external display of the headset. Apple showcased on stage that the Vision Pro features an EyeSight feature that allows the wearer to remain connected to the outside world. It remains to be seen if the patented feature will contradict with the EyeSight feature in the future.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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