Are these Apple's AR glasses? Patent reveals headset that can connect to an iPhone

Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of augmented reality glasses. 

The tech giant has filed a new patent that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors, according to Patently Apple. 

Apple made its first major step into the AR world with the release of ARKit, its augmented reality platform for developers, which spawned numerous apps for the iPhone and the iPad. 

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Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of AR glasses. The tech giant has filed a new patent that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors

The patent, titled ‘Systems, Methods and Graphical User Interfaces for Interacting With Augmented and Virtual Reality Environments,’ was submitted last August, but was only made public today. 

It describes the creation of a virtual user interface that can be used on a device resembling an iPhone, as well as a wireless headset. 

These items would then ‘provide a live view of at least a portion of the contents that are within the field of view of the cameras and optionally generate video outputs.’

Users would then operate a ‘touch-sensitive device’ to interact with ‘augmented reality environments.’

Augmented reality technology includes the process of overlaying 3D graphics into real-world environments. 

This differs from virtual reality, wherein the user is completely immersed in a virtual environment.  

The patent details a virtual user interface that can be used on a device like an iPhone or a headset. Users would interact with AR environments using a touchscreen device (pictured) 

Apple has increasingly moved into augmented reality technology. In 2017, it launched AR Kit, an augmented reality platform for developers to create apps and other software using the tech

Apple has previously filed patents concerning an AR headset. 

Last year, the firm described using a mixed reality headset for image editing, drawing, presenting, making phone calls, video conferences, emailing, workout demos, photography, web browsing and other users, according to Patently Apple.  

It also detailed using a headset to complete work while riding in an autonomous vehicle. 

A separate patent filed in 2017 described the creation of an AR headset.  

The firm is believed to be investigating touch panels, voice-activation via Siri and head gestures to control the glasses, and a recent Apple AR glasses patent details a head-mounted, touch-screen display that could work alongside an iPhone.   

APPLE’S AR GLASSES PATENT 

There has been speculation that Apple is developing an AR headset that may work in tandem with the iPhone. 

Catcher Technology, a Taiwanese company that manufactures metal casings for Apple products, may also make parts for Apple’s AR glasses.

In an interview with Nikkei Asian Review, Allen Horng, the chairman of Catcher Technology, did not confirm what project his company is working on, but there has been speculation that it’s working on Apple’s AR product given that the company already works with Apple on its product casings. 

Apple filed a patent in 2017 for a head-mounted, touch-screen display that could work with an iPhone. The firm made its first step into the AR world with the launch of ARKit 

The Apple AR glasses patent details a head-mounted, touch-screen display that could work alongside an iPhone.  

It also presents a way of representing points of interest (a landmark or an object such as a moving car) in a view of a real environment on an iPhone screen, with interaction functionality. 

As such, the iPhone could potentially connect to the AR headset, allowing the wearer to see point of interest in real time.