Apple Patent Application Describes Dual-Axis Hinge Mechanism That Could Arrive on Apple's Smartglasses

Apple's patent application describes the use of a hinge with "multiple axes of rotation of different parts" for smart glasses.

Written by David Delima | Updated: 10 June 2024 14:29 IST

Apple Patent Application Describes Dual-Axis Hinge Mechanism That Could Arrive on Apple's Smartglasses

Photo Credit: Google

Apple's rival Google previously teased AR smart glasses that resembled real spectacles

Highlights

Apple's patent application attempts to improve hinges on eyewear
The dual-axis hinge mechanism could be used on Apple's smart glasses
Apple is yet to announce plans to launch a pair of AR glasses

Apple's purported smart glasses could be several years away, but the company appears to be working on hardware that could feature on its next-gen wearables. According to a patent application published by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Apple has designed a hinge mechanism that could be a part of the company's rumoured augmented reality (AR) glasses. Earlier this year, Apple launched the Vision Pro in the US as its first wearable spatial computer, and future models are expected to resemble regular spectacles.

Apple Patent Application for Dual-Axis Hinge Mechanism

In the patent application that was published by the US Patent Office last week, Apple explains the use of a dual-axis hinge on a pair of glasses. The document describes the ability of the hinge to be used to open the arm in three states — open (nominal), folded, and hyperextended.

Figures depicting the dual-axis hinge on smart glasses
Photo Credit: US Patent Office/ Apple

Apple says that a hinge with "multiple axes of rotation of different parts" would allow the AR glasses' arm to move between different stable positions. The hinge design would also allow the smart glasses to "apply a clamping force to a wide array of heads".

Apple's AR Glasses Will Launch Three Years From Now; Roadmap Leaked

Another benefit of using the dual-axis hinge mechanism is the ability to equip the hinge with a cable that would connect components in the arm and the frame of the smart glasses. The redesigned hinge will also let the components remain safe, according to the company's patent document.

Apple 'Eyewear' References in Patent Application

The patent document contains multiple references to 'eyewear', which suggests that the company is developing the technology to eventually launch its own pair of smart glasses. Previous reports have attempted to predict the change from a mixed reality headset (the Apple Vision Pro) to something more streamlined.

Last month, it was reported that the iPhone maker plans to launch a foldable iPhone and AR glasses in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Apple isn't the only company reportedly working on smart glasses. Asus, Meta, Samsung, and Lenovo are some of the firm's rivals that are also working on similar technology.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 the best foldable phone you can buy in India right now? We discuss the company's new clamshell-style foldable handset on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Further reading: Apple Smart Glasses, Apple AR Glass, Apple Patent, Apple Patents, Patents, Apple

David Delima

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As a writer on technology with Gadgets 360, David Delima is interested in open-source technology, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and loves to read and write about how the Internet works. David can be contacted via email at DavidD@ndtv.com, on Twitter at @DxDavey, and Mastodon at mstdn.social/@delima. More