Future iMacs could have built-in projectors, gaze detection features

Future iMacs — and perhaps new Apple displays besides the Pro Display XDR — could sport built-in projectors and gaze detection features, as hinted by a new patent filing (number 202200081492) by the tech giant.

The patent info talks about iMacs and/or displays with stands that could support the housing so that a display that is overlapped by the front wall, side walls, even behind the device could be viewed by a user. Projectors on the rear wall or other portions of the electronic device may project images onto nearby surfaces to expand the amount of screen real estate. Sensors such as gaze detection sensors, three-dimensional image sensors, cameras, and other components may operate through housing walls.

Imagine such an iMac combined with the “single sheet of glass” design hinted at in a previous patent. What’s more, imagine an all-in-one that could wirelessly charge a Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, iPhone, and iPad, as past rumors/patent filing have hinted at.

Ah well, we can dream, can’t we?

As for gaze detection, Apple has filed for various patents regarding future iOS, watchOS, and perhaps macOS devices may allow you to control some user interface elements with your eyes. 

Here’s the summary of the latests patent data: “An electronic device may have input-output devices such as sensors, displays, wireless circuitry, and other electronic components mounted within a housing. The housing may have opposing front and rear walls. A display may be formed on a front side of the device and may be overlapped by a front housing wall such as a glass layer. Sensors and other components may be formed on a rear side of the device and may be overlapped by a rear housing wall. 

“The rear housing wall may have a glass portion or other transparent structure through which projectors project images onto nearby surfaces and through which image sensors and other optical sensors receive light. The housing may be supported by a stand. An electrical component in the stand may interact with an electronic device on the stand. Wireless circuitry in an external item may wirelessly couple to wireless circuitry within the housing.”