Few people imagine that the long-awaited and controversial mixed reality glasses, the Apple Vision Proreleased in 2024, have roots dating back to at least 2008.
Apple was ahead of its time
An old patent record shows that the company already had in mind a device strikingly similar to the one that has revolutionized the industry this year.
A recent discovery in the digital archive brought back to light a patent filed by Apple in February 2008which describes a device that simulates an immersive experience in a virtual environment. What is surprising is not only the age of the idea, but how precisely the concepts described in the document match the Vision Pro as we know it today.
In the patent, Apple already described a system of intelligent sensors capable of detecting head and eye movements, adapting the visual content to generate a realistic sensation of being inside a virtual environment. This level of detail reflects not only Apple’s ambitious goal, but also its commitment to making technologies that, at the time, seemed like science fiction, a reality.
Of course, in 2008, the technology needed to realize this idea did not exist. High-resolution microdisplays, ultra-powerful processors, and compact batteries capable of supporting this type of device were still distant dreams. But that did not stop Apple from continuing to work for more than 15 years, until the technological conditions were adequate to make the product real.
Evolution of the Vision Pro: past and future
The Vision Pro was presented in June 2024, marking a before and after in the field of extended reality (XR). With its starting price of $3,499, this device combines augmented and virtual reality with a quality never seen before. Although the cost is prohibitive for most, which is why its success is not as expected, it demonstrates Apple’s philosophy: introducing innovative and polished products.
However, the question many are asking is how long will it take Apple to develop a more affordable version of the Vision Pro. Currently, rumors indicate that the company is focusing its efforts on a second generation, which could be equipped with an M5 chip, putting a cheaper variant on hold.
The story behind this device also reminds us that great innovations take time. In a world where trends change rapidly, Apple is betting on playing the long game, confident in its ability to turn ambitious ideas into tangible realities, no matter how long it takes.
Now, with the Vision Pro on the market, it only remains to be seen if its technology will become more accessible in the coming years or if it will continue to be a luxury reserved for a few. Meanwhile, it’s clear that Apple had this “vision” for much longer than anyone could have imagined.
