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Apple Working on AR/VR Headset Technology to Help People With Eye Diseases

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Future versions of the AR/VR headset that Apple has in development could help people with eye diseases, according to information shared over the weekend by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his latest issue of the PowerOn newsletter. According to Gurman, Apple has a special XDG team exploring next-generation display technology, AI, and options for future AR/VR headsets that will assist people with visual issues.

Apple-Glasses-Triad-Feature.jpg

While there is no detail available on just what Apple has in development for a future AR/VR headset, accessibility has always been an area of import for the company. Apple aims to make its devices usable by everyone, and the iPhone, iPad, and Mac have a range of accessibility settings that provide extra assistance with various visual, hearing, and motor issues.

Rumors suggest that the first version of the AR/VR headset will have more than a dozen cameras, several of which will be used for mapping the area around the user. This functionality could allow the headset to project extra visual information to those who are legally blind or have other visual problems, and it could potentially provide audio directions to those with no sight.

There could be targeted functions for people with diseases like AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration), which causes blind spots in the vision. Oculenz AR Wear glasses, for example, have been described as being able to use floating lenses to modify real-time streaming video to move objects into an area that people suffering from AMD can see.

Apple's first AR/VR headset is set to come out this year, and while we haven't heard news of specific accessibility settings, it stands to reason that even the first model will have some accommodations based on Apple's deep interest in accessibility on its other devices.

For more on what to expect from the AR/VR headset that Apple has coming this year, we have a dedicated AR/VR roundup that aggregates all of the rumors that we've heard so far.

Article Link: Apple Working on AR/VR Headset Technology to Help People With Eye Diseases
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/02/27/apple-ar-vr-headset-eye-disease/
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(…) accessibility has always been an area of import for the company. Apple aims to make its devices usable by everyone (…)
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Yeah, that’s nice. While you’re at it, make Control Center on iPhones with Face ID accessible for left handed people too. We make up like 10% of the general population. You can do this by allowing users to set the gesture to the upper left corner of the screen instead of the upper right.

It doesn't seem like a difficult fix, but apparently this issue hasn't crossed their minds.
 
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drumcat said:
At what point is this PR given that people may have eye/vertigo issues with a product like this?
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There are people who find some displays uncomfortable to use because of PWM. All VR displays use low persistence—they only flash the image for a fraction of the frame time. That will inevitably bother some users of this product, even if they don't know why.

But what should they do? Not release it until everybody can use it with no issues, even if it means delaying it for those who could benefit from it as the tech stands now?
 
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Like all of us, they do make mistakes, but accessibility is one area where Apple really has pushed the boundaries.

I appreciate that Apple uses a universal design approach and that they have so many accessibility options on all of their platforms.

I don’t think the tech industry would be were it is today in its support for accessibility were it not for Apple.
 
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Naiborg said:
Yeah, that’s nice. While you’re at it, make Control Center on iPhones with Face ID accessible for left handed people too. We make up like 10% of the general population. You can do this by allowing users to set the gesture to the upper left corner of the screen instead of the upper right.

It doesn't seem like a difficult fix, but apparently this issue hasn't crossed their minds.
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Make this thread about you. Well done.
 
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michaelprescott said:
I'd love glasses that would help with night-vision and glare reduction. Seems like the entire tech stack is available and the form factor is nearly acceptable. Apple should be able to iterate it into the next generation.
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You mean Predator-vision. I too would like this.

Pretty sure there are laws about how good it can be. We have excellent night vision tech now but it can’t be sold to civilians.

It will be interesting to see if AR changes this in the future. I would love to be able to have full spectrum vision.
 
I fully endorse Apple going to the deepest depths of the ocean to help people be more healthy. They have a proven track record & the software has to be working as intended, which of course it always does.
 
I'm a little confused. Would it be technology to help people with visual issues use the device more easily? Or technology to help them see and interact with the world?
 
This came somewhat from Left field tbh... And it actually likely will be able to let you do stuff for eye problems, how about zoom into a book you are reading? Increase contrast of text, live translation to another language..

Hm... AR will be huge, no doubt. I want to see sounds or in infrared... Heatvision
 
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DrJR said:
That is a tiny segment of the market, so not a prime mover.
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Doesn't need to be. Though I suspect Apple feels differently with data to support their R&D decisions.

In any case, that Apple is pursuing such health oriented tech is commendable.
 
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