Apple may have conceived Vision Pro-like virtual viewing experience as early as 2007
According to a report from Patently Apple, Apple recently secured a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that was initially filed back in 2007. Both the textual description within this patent and its accompanying illustrations closely mirror the Vision Pro unveiled at WWDC 2023, suggesting that Apple had been contemplating the possibilities of virtual vision applications quite some time ago.
The patent document elaborates on utilizing both optical and digital components, allowing users to immerse themselves as if they were physically present in a theater. It further details the capacity to recognize user movements through sensors, dynamically adjusting the displayed visuals accordingly. The patent also encompasses the concept of virtual spectatorship of events and even includes audio technology capable of interpreting spatial sensations, strikingly parallel to current virtual vision devices and the spatial audio experience Apple emphasizes.
While it remains unclear why the USPTO only recently granted approval for this patent application, it undoubtedly showcases Apple’s forward-thinking vision for computational applications, perhaps even more ambitious than previously assumed.
In another recent patent acquisition by Apple, there’s a concept for integrating a color sensor beneath the Apple Watch display. This would allow the device to detect ambient color changes, enabling dynamic screen color adjustments on the Apple Watch. It could even sync with various colored watch bands, letting the Apple Watch automatically modify its display color to match. Furthermore, it could auto-adjust its coloration based on the hue of the wearer’s attire.
Such technological applications have indeed made their presence felt in specific products from Google and Samsung. With Apple securing this design patent, it’s evident they aim to infuse the Apple Watch with a broader array of personalized options. However, it remains uncertain whether Apple intends to incorporate this design patent in the subsequent Apple Watch model or merely retain it as a design patent protection.
