Apple Contemplated Finger-Worn Controller for Vision Pro Headset, Reveals Bloomberg

Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in today's Power On newsletter, Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset, set to launch later this year, will utilize hand-tracking and eye-tracking for control. However, during the development cycle of the Vision Pro, Apple had considered incorporating a finger-worn input device.

Gurman reveals that in the early stages, Apple tested third-party virtual reality controllers from companies like HTC for potential integration. Subsequently, the company explored the concept of a finger-worn device. Notably, in 2015, Apple had even filed a patent for a smart ring, although it appeared to be intended as a more general wearable device rather than something specific to a mixed reality headset.

Ultimately, Apple concluded that using eye-tracking and hand gestures as the control mechanism for the Vision Pro headset was a "more elegant solution." When Nilay Patel from The Verge tested the headset, he described it as the "best headset demo ever" and praised the effectiveness of the eye tracking. He also confirmed that users could keep their hands at their sides or in their lap, simply tapping their thumb and forefinger together to make selections. This means there is no need for extravagant hand movements or pointing gestures.

During WWDC 2023, Apple announced that the Vision Pro headset would support external input devices such as third-party game controllers and keyboards. This ensures that users have the option to bypass the hand controls for specific types of input if desired.