Apple may be laser-focused on launching its Vision Pro augmented reality headset next month. But newly surfaced patent filings provide a glimpse into potential accessories coming further down the road.
Discovered by Patently Apple, one patent depicts what looks like a supersized Apple Pencil for writing and drawing in mid-air. Dubbed a “handheld controller with a marker-shaped housing,” the wand-like device could enable manipulating virtual objects in AR/VR environments.
The documentation specifically calls out compatibility with a head-mounted device like the forthcoming Vision Pro. But the creative stylus could also potentially pair with iPhones, iPads and other Apple products able to display AR overlays.
Intriguingly, the patent indicates the Pencil-esque peripheral could digitally alter its appearance for users inside a VR/AR headset. So it might transform from a standard pen to a paintbrush or spray can, with special effects visible only in the augmented display.
Sensors throughout the controller could detect a plethora of gestures, swiping patterns, writing motions and more as input mechanisms. So Apple is clearly exploring ways to move beyond basic hand waving and tapping when interacting with augmented or virtual content.
For now, Apple insists Vision Pro buyers only need their hands to navigate the headset’s software environment. But various patents prove engineers are cooking up alternative control schemes behind the scenes.
Of course, patents don’t always mature into commercial products. Like most companies, Apple files more conceptual applications than eventually reach market. So this VR pencil may never graduate from R&D project to must-have Vision Pro accessory.
But the patent nonetheless spotlights Apple’s ambitions to make augmented reality interactions feel as lifelike as possible. The company is already contemplating control tools beyond our hands to manipulate and create within imaginary worlds.
