Known for its leisurely approach to new product categories, Apple has evidence suggesting that it began developing Vision Pro as far back as 2008, unveiling the product only in 2024 after 15 years in the making.
The patent illustration and device description align closely with the final version released.
Macworld contributor Dan Moren recalled a 2008 article he wrote about the patent.
In the early days of my writing career focused on Apple (nearly two decades ago, wow), I contributed to Macworld’s now-defunct MacUser blog. Recently, my colleague Jason Snell sent me a link to the Internet Archive for the site, and while reminiscing, I stumbled upon a surprising article about an Apple patent, featuring a strikingly familiar image.
The patent design bears a remarkable resemblance to the final release.
The specifications are equally relevant:
A recently discovered patent filed by Apple in February indicates that the company might be devising a wearable display that mimics the experience of existing within a virtual environment, utilizing sophisticated sensors. These sensors are expected to detect head and eye movements, dynamically adjusting the visuals to create an immersive experience for the user.
Moren highlights that the display technology necessary to actualize this concept was unavailable at the time, yet Apple had a clear understanding of its goals and was committed to refining the project until it became practical, albeit at a premium price.
The pressing question remains: how much longer will it take for Apple to produce a more budget-friendly Vision product without considerable compromises? Recent reports indicate that the company has temporarily shelved this initiative as it prioritizes the development of a second-generation Pro device, which is anticipated to be powered by an M5 chip.
Photo by Mylo Kaye on Unsplash
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