Today the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that relates to systems, methods, and devices that detect surfaces that provide specular reflections, modify reflections, or provide content that depicts such surfaces and reflections. More specifically, Apple s patent describes how a user wearing an HMD could be holding an iPhone in the real-world but have it transform into another device like a light saber in a game and more
Apple Patents, unlike rumors, cover possible future products that could take years to come to market or die on the vine. There is no such thing as "the iPhone patent" or the "iPad patent" in singular form. An Apple project, like a future foldable device, could take years with various teams working on different aspects of the product that takes.
Apple fans know that one of the most important product lines ahead is their mixed reality headset family. Back in April 2021: During an interview with New York Times journalist Kara Swisher Apple s CEO Tim Cook agreed with her that augmented reality is "a critically important part of Apple’s future." He imagines AR being used in health, education, retail, and gaming." Yesterday, a major Apple invention granted to them covers a futuristic concept that could make static images from a printed magazine leap to life.