Monday, December 9, 2024
Apple Vision ProPatents

Future Apple Vision Pros may have a removable facial interface

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of a device seal on an Apple Vision Pro.

Future Vision Pros may have “removable facial interfaces,” according to a newly granted Apple patent.

About the patent

The patent relates generally to facial interfaces of a head-mountable device. More particularly, the present examples relate to removable facial interfaces of a head-mountable device that can be easily removed and reinstalled or replaced to provide increased comfort, cleanliness, and customization.

In the patent, Apple notes that prolonged use of head-mountable devices can result in various components of the head-mountable devices becoming dirty (e.g., from a user sweating on the facial interface) and worn out. Users of head-mountable devices have a myriad of different anatomical features (e.g., head size, eye location, cheek and forehead bone structure, and the like), as well as different personal preferences. 

As a result, the ability to vary or customize the engagement with the head-mountable device is desired. Apple thinks that removable facial components is the way to do this.

Summary of the patent

Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “A removable facial interface for a head-mountable device (HMD) is disclosed. In an example, an HMD includes a display; a facial interface frame at least partially surrounding the display; a removable facial interface attached to the facial interface frame; a first attachment mechanism attached to one of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface; and a second attachment mechanism attached to the other of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface, the removable facial interface being attached to the facial interface frame by the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism.”

About the Vision Pro

Demos of the Apple Vision Pro at Apple Stores in the U.S. can be reserved on Apple.com. To reserve a free Vision Pro demo online, go here, then follow the steps to book an appointment at your local Apple Store. 

Pricing for the Vision Pro starts at US$3,499 with 256GB of storage. ZEISS Optical Inserts are available: $99 for reading lens and $149 for prescription lens. 

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.