Apple has filed for a patent for “Triggered Dimming And Undimming Of A Head-Mountable Device” that hints that future Apple Vision Pros could serve as “smart sunglasses.”
However, such a feature will more likely arrive with the rumored “Vision Air” if it arrives at all.
About the patent filing
The patent filing generally relates to systems, methods, and devices for controlling the dimming level of a head-mountable device (HMD). Apple notes that, in various implementations, a head-mounted device (HMD) such as a Vision Pro can include an optical passthrough display which is at least partially transparent. In various implementations, the optical passthrough display includes a display layer that emits light or reflects light projected from a light source according to display data and dimming layer that dims light passing through the optical passthrough display according to dimming data.
Apple says that, by controlling the dimming data, the HMD can be operated as “smart sunglasses” that automatically dim according to ambient light levels. The tech in Apple’s patent filing would allow a Vision Pro user to set a dimming value for a dimming layer.
Summary of the patent filing
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent filing: “In one implementation, a method of setting a dimming value of a display is performed by a device including an at least partially transparent display including a dimming layer, one or more processors, and non-transitory memory.
“The method includes detecting that a user is engaged in conversation with a conversation partner. The method includes determining a dimming amount based at least in part on detecting that the user is engaged in conversation with the conversation partner. The method includes setting a dimming value of at least a portion of the dimming layer to the dimming amount.”
About a “Vision Air”
In a post, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will release a lighter Vision Pro in 2027. will address the high weight and price of the Vision Pro. The new device is estimated to be over 40% lighter and more than 50% cheaper.
Apple is also expected to release a tweaked version of the Vision Pro this year with either an M4 or M5 processor.
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