Toni Dimaano Tech 02.28.2023 03:Feb AM EST

Apple Is Developing AR/VR Headset Technology That Helps People With Eye Diseases

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, future versions of Apple's AR/VR headset could benefit those with eye conditions.

Gurman claims that Apple has a dedicated XDG team looking into options for future AR/VR headsets that will help those with vision impairments, Mac Rumors reports.

The Headsets Will Be Designed To Accommodate Accessibility

Accessibility has always been a priority for Apple, even though it is unclear what exactly the company has in the works for a future AR/VR headset.

Apple wants all users to be able to use its products, therefore the iPhone, iPad, and Mac all include a variety of accessibility settings that offer additional support for different visual, hearing, and movement impairments.

A number of the cameras in the first iteration of the AR/VR headset, according to rumors, will be utilized for mapping the user's immediate surroundings.

Those who are legally blind or have other visual issues may be able to project additional visual information using this feature.

Additionally, this feature may introduce the possibility to provide audio directions to those who are visually impaired or no sight at all.

Mac Rumors details that those with disorders like AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration), which results in blank areas in the vision, may be able to employ specific functions.

According to reports, floating lenses in Oculenz AR Wear glasses can be used to change real-time streaming video and shift items into areas that AMD patients can see.

The first edition of Apple's AR/VR headset, which is expected to launch this year, will have methods available in light of the company's keen interest in accessibility across all of its products.

Apple's AR/VR Headset Has Also Been Announced To Adapt Eye-Tracking Technology

A more advanced kind of input known as "in-air typing," which will be made possible by eye-tracking technology, is reported to be included in Apple's upcoming Reality Pro.

According to Next Pit, Apple's first augmented reality headgear would have a variety of sensors and cameras.

This will make it easier for the headset to handle programs that use hand or eye gestures as input.

Gurman said that Apple's implementation might be a little shaky at first, but the Cupertino company hopes to fix this after the headset is launched.

It was further stated that Apple is already testing out this function on its prototype, to make sure that it arrives with efficient in-air typing.

Apple's XR, or extended reality platform, will concentrate on immersive video streaming and gaming in addition to operating the device using eye or hand gestures.

For instance, it would let the user watch a realistic 3D video while any adjustments to head position or orientation would be reflected in the VR environment.

However, all of these ground-breaking features would be expensive, with Apple's high-end AR/VR device reportedly retailing for $3,000 or more.

In contrast, a less expensive headset or a pair of smart Apple glasses might be in the works and arrive a year after the Reality Pro, Next Pit reveals.