Oliver Haslam on April 28, 2022, 12:44 am

New Apple Mixed Reality Headset Patents Point To Mirror Finish And Charging Stands

Apple is heavily rumored to be working on a new mixed reality headset that could go on sale within the next year and now new patents appear to point to information on how such a thing could be charged.

As spotted by Patently Apple, one U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is called “Display system” and appears to be for a head-mounted device that would wirelessly charge using inductive coils that would be placed within the device’s headband.

It also appears that the batteries would be part of the same headband, with charging taking place in a similar way to how an iPhone or Apple Watch charges today.

The patent also describes a power supply device, likely a stand that would act as the wireless charger for such a headset. Apple mentions that both devices are “cooperatively configured to align the transmission coil” which would suggest magnets will be used. Imagine MagSafe, but on a larger scale.

Another patent, dubbed “Electronic device with infrared transparent one-way mirror,” appears to suggest that a mirror-effect could be placed on the headset. It’s possible that Apple could hide components behind the mirror while still allowing them to see the outside world. Such a thing could be useful for cameras and other sensors.

(Image via Patently Apple)

While Apple is already heavily rumored to be working on a mixed reality headset, it’s important to remember that not all patents turn into products.

While it’s possible these patents do relate to a future Apple headset, it’s also possible that they are for products that will never be released.