Apple has been granted a patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that could pave the way for an innovative accessory allowing iPhone users to experience virtual reality (VR). The patent application was filed in late 2021, well before Apple’s announcement of its first mixed reality headset, the Apple Reality Pro. Interestingly, the patent also suggests that Apple’s engineers have been working on a version of the AirPower wireless charger, which was previously canceled.
The patent, known as US 11,677,429 B2, was granted to Apple on June 13 and details the company’s plans for a head-mounted accessory. This accessory resembles a VR headset that can accommodate a smartphone, similar to Google Cardboard. The inventors listed in the patent include Stephen Schooley, Ross Arriens, Sara Rusignuolo, Craig Ogden, Ho Chung, Vusthla Reddy, Jeremy Bataillou, and Xinping Zeng.
One of the patent’s illustrations showcases a headset-like accessory (referred to as figure 11-800) that can wirelessly detect an electronic device such as an iPhone (figure 11-850). The document describes the accessory as a receptacle for the headset and a band that wraps around the user’s head. Wireless communication is established between the headset and the phone through built-in wireless circuitry.
Additionally, the patent also reveals a diagram of a wireless charging station that bears a resemblance to the canceled AirPower charger. The diagram shows two smartphones and a pair of wireless headphones being charged wirelessly. One of the handsets is displayed within a case that communicates wirelessly with the charging station, while the case’s secondary screen displays the charging status of both phones and the earphones.
As with all patented technology, there is no guarantee that these features will be implemented in future Apple devices. Apple recently unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023. Meanwhile, the AirPower charger was discontinued by Apple in 2019, more than a year after its initial unveiling in 2017.
In other patent news, Apple has been granted a patent that could lead to the development of smartphones and tablets resistant to abrasion and scratches. The patent proposes a new material combining metal and ceramic, offering durability and scratch resistance. If implemented, this could eliminate the need for users to rely on protective phone cases in the future.
It’s worth noting that the mentioned patent links are available for further reference and exploration.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links that may generate revenue. Please refer to our ethics statement for more information.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
