Apple Glasses may be able to unlock other devices that are close by

Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,893,412) for “authenticated device assisted user authentication” that hints that the rumored “Apple Glasses” might offer the ability to unlock other Apple devices.

In the patent data, Apple notes that many electronic devices restrict access to various features based on authentication of the identity of the user. The tech giant says that when multiple devices are used concurrently, procedures for unlocking each device individually can delay user access and reduce the quality of the user experience. 

Apple’s idea? An authenticated device worn by a user as a head-mounted device. That would be, of course, Apple Glasses, which would be able to detect which other Apple devices are close to the headset and unlock them, accordingly.

Here’s the summary of the patent (which is kinda heavy in technical jargon): “Authenticated device assisted user authentication includes detecting, by an authenticated device, a proximate device, wherein a user of the authenticated device is currently authenticated to access a restricted-access function of the authenticated device. The method includes performing, by the authenticated device, an intent determination for the user with respect to a restricted-access function of the proximate device. The method includes in response to the intent determination indicating an intent to access the restricted-access function of the proximate device, performing, by the authenticated device, authentication assistance for the user with respect to the proximate device.”

When it comes to Apple Glasses, such a device will arrive this year or 2022, depending on which rumor you believe. The Sellers Research Group (that’s me) think they will at least be previewed this year.

The Apple Glasses will be a head-mounted display. Or may have a design like “normal” glasses. Or it may be available in both. The Apple Glasses may or may not have to be tethered to an iPhone to work. Other rumors say that Apple Glasses could have a custom-build Apple chip and a dedicated operating system dubbed “rOS” for “reality operating system.”