Apple’s New Privacy Mode Patent for Future Smart Glasses and Devices

Apple has recently been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a groundbreaking system aimed at enhancing privacy for users working on devices like the MacBook, iPad, and iPhone. This innovation, set to work in conjunction with Apple’s upcoming smart glasses or the Vision Pro headset (referred to as Visionware), introduces a “Privacy Mode” that makes it possible for users to work on their devices without the risk of others viewing the content on the screen.

How It Works:

The patented system allows users to wear a head-mounted device, such as Apple’s Vision Pro, while working on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. When activated, this Privacy Mode ensures that whatever is displayed on the screen is only visible to the user wearing the AR headset, while the external screen remains blank to anyone else in the vicinity. This effectively protects sensitive information like emails, documents, or apps from prying eyes.

In the accompanying patent illustrations, Apple provides a visual representation of how this works. For instance, in FIG. 4,

a MacBook is shown operating in Privacy Mode while the user wears a head-mounted system (like Vision Pro). The content of a confidential document is displayed exclusively on the AR headset’s display, meaning only the user can see and interact with it, while the MacBook’s external screen remains empty, ensuring no one else can access the information.

Advanced Features and Capabilities:

In other patent figures (3B and 3D), Apple describes the integration of the head-mounted device with various Apple devices such as iPhones or iPads. These external devices are seen through the AR headset’s partially transparent displays, and virtual elements (like graphical user interface screens) are layered on top, creating a mixed reality environment that only the wearer can fully experience. This adds an extra level of immersion and security to the user’s work process.

The technology could involve projection-based or other types of spatial reality (SR) systems, enabling simulated environments that can either be wirelessly connected (via Bluetooth) or physically tethered to the device. This flexible connectivity ensures that the Privacy Mode can function seamlessly across a variety of Apple products.

Apple’s Long-Term Privacy Commitment:

Apple has been exploring privacy-enhancing features for display technologies since at least 2020, with several related patents highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to user privacy. The newly granted patent, identified as Patent 12265647, is just the latest in a series of advancements that aim to make everyday digital interactions more secure and private. Apple’s work on display privacy modes aligns with its broader push to integrate cutting-edge privacy features across its ecosystem.

The Future of Privacy with Visionware:

This patented technology not only underscores Apple’s commitment to innovation but also positions Vision Pro and other future AR/VR devices as tools for maintaining personal and professional privacy in an increasingly connected world. Users will be able to work, communicate, and create without worrying about their sensitive information being exposed, making it a game-changer for privacy-conscious professionals and students alike.

In conclusion, Apple’s “Privacy Mode” feature for Visionware-enabled devices represents a significant step forward in safeguarding users’ digital environments, offering a new layer of security for work and personal devices. With this technology, Apple is set to revolutionize how we interact with screens in public spaces, providing a secure and private way to manage information on-the-go.

Courtesy: www.patentlyapple.com