US tech giant Apple held talks with Russia before showing the annexed peninsula of Crimea as Russian territory on its apps
Apple has been under fire recently with several security and political issues surrounding the Cupertino tech juggernaut. AFP / Josh Edelson

KEY POINTS

  • Apple holds a patent for a more durable smart glasses design.
  • The design includes a feature which turns on a protective mode for its most important parts: the glasses and lens.
  • Apple has yet to reveal the actual features of the device despite its expected release in 2020.

Apple currently has a patent which could create more durable virtual reality and augmented reality headsets. The patent shows a specific mode where the device’s protective features are in full use in case it falls or is hit hard. This technology could definitely extend the lifespan of the headsets and could be incorporated into the company's upcoming smartglasses.

The Apple patent lists two modes for the headset prototype -- the active mode and the protected mode, according to Patently Apple. The active mode is its go-to form when being used and will allow it to adjust to the user’s preference. Other than the usual features to accommodate head sizes, this Apple headset could also adjust its visual lens to the user’s prescription lenses.

Aside from its adaptability, the patent also lists a protected mode which puts the headset into a state that focuses on keeping its visual lenses intact. In this mode, the glasses and lens are protected in case it falls. The device’s circuitry also has measures which further preserve the quality of the lens and glasses of the headset.

At the moment, VR and AR headsets in the market don’t have big features that focus solely on protecting the device’s quality if it falls. Apple’s patent has potential if it releases its next smart glasses with this feature.

For now, Apple has yet to release its own VR and AR device. Most of its features have yet to be officially confirmed.

However, the company is pushing for a 2020 release for its AR headset. Many fans are excited but not a lot of details have come out about the device. If this protected mode comes out, Apple will have a durable device along with the tech quality that Apple has long been known for.

For now, fans can only wait and see as many patents from Apple are not always made into actual products.