Apple patent involves a wrist device that could potentially be used with the Vision Pro

Apple has been granted a patent (number US 11762429 B1) for “hinged wearable electronic devices.” It involves straps for an Apple Watch, the upcoming Vision Pro, and ring device, but also for some type of wrist device.

I’m guessing here, but the wrist gadget seems to be an input/output device for the Vision Pro. The US$3,499 “Spatial Computer” will, according to Apple, be available in “early” 2024. However, it will, apparently, only be available in limited quantities at first. 

About the patent filing

In the patent filing, Apple says electronic devices may have components such as straps. However, in some situations, straps may be insufficiently durable, may not be visually appealing, or may be insufficiently adjustable to provide a user with desired functionality, according to the tech giant.

Apple wants to change this. But it’s the wrist device images in the patent data that are particularly interesting. 

Summary of the patent filing

Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent filing: “An electronic device may have rigid members such as links in a strap that are joined by rotating joints. The joints may include friction hinges. In a head mounted device, straps may be folded for storage within an interior region in the housing of the head mounted device. A strap coupled to a wristwatch may have portions that fold to hide components mounted on the strap. 

“A strap with two parallel strap portions may be configured to serve as a support for a cellular telephone or other device with a display. A strap can also be configured to tilt a display that is coupled to the strap to a desired viewing angle relative to a user’s wrist. An electronic device may have multiple support structures that are joined by a friction hinge. The support structures may be used to clamp the device on a user’s finger.”