A 2008 Patent Reveals Apple’s Long-Standing Vision Pro Ambitions
The world of technology is filled with innovations that take years, even decades, to materialize. A recently resurfaced patent from 2008 sheds light on Apple’s remarkably long-held plans for an AR headset, strikingly similar in design to the currently released Apple Vision Pro. The patent filing, submitted by Apple in February 2008, suggests that the company has been nurturing this concept for over 15 years.
Although the display technology required to make the Apple Vision Pro a reality didn’t exist back then, the patent filing gives us a glimpse into Apple’s futuristic vision. The patent itself, titled “eyePod,” reveals Apple’s pursuit of a wearable display that could create immersive virtual environments through intelligent sensors. These imagined sensors were designed to detect head and even eye movements, adjusting the video feed accordingly to make the user feel truly present in a virtual world.
The striking resemblance between the headset depicted in the patent and the Apple Vision Pro is uncanny, particularly the curved shape of the front visor. This visual similarity underscores Apple’s unwavering commitment to this project over more than a decade and a half.
However, it seems the road to market wasn’t smooth sailing. Despite successfully launching the Apple Vision Pro, reports indicate a less than stellar reception, leading to speculation that product production might be halted by the end of 2024. This news comes as Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo delivers disappointment for those hoping for a more budget-friendly alternative.
While a more affordable Vision Pro is in the pipeline, its production timeline has been pushed beyond 2027. The immediate successor to the current bourse headgear is expected to arrive in 2025, boasting Apple’s powerful M5 chipset and a host of new features, including Apple Intelligence support. Kuo attributes the delay not just to pricing, but to the lack of compelling use cases that would truly justify a purchase. It seems the success of any future Vision Pro models rests heavily on the development of software and applications that effectively showcase the headset’s capabilities.
Following traditional digital merging with the physical, augmented reality has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with information, entertainment, and even our surroundings. Perhaps only when the platform is saturated with innovative and valuable applications will we see a real surge in interest for this emerging technology and a wider embrace of headset technology like the Apple Vision Pro.
How has Apple’s long timeline of AR development potentially impacted the initial reception of the Vision Pro?
## Apple’s Decades-Long Vision for AR- A Look Back
**Intro Music**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating history behind Apple’s newest device, the Vision Pro. A recently unearthed patent from 2008 reveals that Apple has been dreaming of this augmented reality headset for over 15 years. Joining us to discuss this incredible technological journey is tech analyst and historian, Sarah Jones. Sarah, welcome to the show.
**Sarah:** It’s great to be here. I’ve been following Apple’s innovations for years, and this patent finding is truly remarkable.
**Host:** What struck you most about this “eyePod” patent?
**Sarah:** Well, the sheer foresight of Apple is astounding. [[1](https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/27/apple-has-been-working-on-vision-pro-since-at-least-2008/)]It details a device incredibly similar in design to the Vision Pro, with a curved visor and sensors for tracking head and eye movements. Imagine dreaming up something like that in 2008, when the technology simply didn’t exist yet!
**Host:** It does beg the question: Why did it take so long for Apple to bring this vision to life?
**Sarah:** Developing cutting-edge technology takes time. They likely had to wait for advancements in display technology and miniaturization to make a truly immersive and wearable device. Remember, the “eyePod” patent was filed before the iPhone even existed!
**Host:** Speaking of the Vision Pro, initial reports suggest a rather mixed reception. Some call it revolutionary, while others find it too expensive. Does Apple’s long gestation period make this lukewarm response surprising?
**Sarah:** Not necessarily. It’s common for groundbreaking technologies to face initial resistance. Remember the first iPhone? People weren’t immediately convinced about giving up physical keyboards. It takes time for the market to understand and embrace innovation.
**Host:** What does this patent tell us about Apple’s future?
**Sarah:** It shows they’re not afraid to think big and plan for the long term. This kind of commitment to a vision, even one that takes years to materialize, speaks volumes about their belief in the power of technology to shape our world.
**Host:** A fascinating insight, Sarah. Thank you for joining us today.
**Sarah:** My pleasure.
**Outro Music**