Apple has filed for a patent (number 21718995) for “multi-device continuity for use with extended reality systems.” The goal is to make the transfer of virtual workspaces between Macs, iPhones, iPads, and the rumored “RealityPro” AV/VR headset a seamless experience.
Such an implementation would take advantage of Apple’s Handoff and Continuity features. With Handoff, you can start work on one device, then switch to another nearby device and pick up where you left off. With Continuity, you can use your Mac together with your other Apple devices to work smarter and move seamlessly between your devices.
About the patent filing
The patent filing involves the continuous transfer of content editing and/or control between various devices in an extended reality (ER) system. The ER system includes at least one device (likely the RealityPro) that can determine the locations of other devices in the system. This device can manage continuous transfer of control between other devices in the system responsive to three-dimensional location-based user inputs, and/or can manage continuous transfer of control between one or more of the other devices and the device itself.
For example, a RealityPro wearer could be reading an email on an iPhone screen. The email could be transferred to another device, such as the Reality Pro, with a hand swipe or gaze switch.
In another example, Apple Music could lie playing on an iPhone. The RealityPro could sense this and, with a user swipe or gaze change, transfer music playback to a HomePod or HomePod mini.
Summary of the patent filing
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent filing: “Implementations of the subject technology provide continuous transfer of content editing and/or control between various devices in an extended reality system. The extended reality system includes at least one device that is capable of determining the locations of other devices in the system. This device can manage continuous transfer of control between other devices in the system responsive to three-dimensional location-based user inputs, and/or can manage continuous transfer of control between one or more of the other devices and the device itself.”
About the RealityPro
When it comes to the RealityPro, the rumors are abundant. Such a device will arrive this year. Or 2025, Or 2026. It will be a head-mounted display. Or may have a design like “normal” glasses. Or it may be eventually be available in both. The Reality Pro may or may not have to be tethered to an iPhone to work. Other rumors say that it could have a custom-build Apple chip and a dedicated operating system dubbed “rOS” for “reality operating system.” Or perhaps “xrOS” for extended reality operating system.
