In light of Apple’s recent unveiling of the Apple Vision Pro, its latest first-generation device, the company appears to be making plans for expanding its optical lens offerings.
Let’s start with this device.
Apple Vision Pro is a mixed reality—virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)—headset leveraging spatial computing that includes features such as:
- Eye and hand tracking for navigation and interaction
- 3D camera for photos and videos
- Pocket battery pack
- FaceTime avatar capability for video calls
- VisionOS operating system
Click here to see all the features.
How much will it cost?
Brace yourself …. $3,499.
So how do these lenses come into play?
For customers who wear glasses, they’ll be required to purchase special ophthalmic lenses—referred to as “optical inserts”—in order to use the Vision Pro headset.
These inserts will work with the headset’s eye-tracking sensors and iris scanner to unlock the device.
Tell me more.
According to Apple, the company is working with ZEISS to develop the optical inserts, which will provide precision optics for customers in need of vision correction.
When will they be available?
Per the ZEISS website, the optical inserts are planned to launch in the U.S. in early 2024.
Any other optical inventions in the works?
Indeed. According to a patent application (#20230212458) published in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on July 6, 2023, Apple is working on an advanced next-gen solution for prescription lenses to be used in the Apple Vision Pro and similar future technology.
The company’s patent is for “liquid crystal compounds and compositions” that could be used as liquid crystal materials in adjustable ophthalmic lenses.
How do these differ from non-adjustable lenses?
Per the company’s patent background, it refers to ophthalmic lenses as “ophthalmic devices that alter or change the visual powers of the human eye.”
Conversely, “adjustable ophthalmic lenses can be tuned to change visible properties of light passing therethrough.”
Tunable lenses are noted as including one or more liquid crystal cells.
Any visuals of these plans?
Yes! Images of the lenses included in the patent can be viewed here.
More detailed descriptions of each image are viewable here.