Apple patent describes hinge that could appear on future smart glasses

Apple’s alleged smart glasses may still be years away, but the company is reportedly working on hardware that could be used in its next-gen wearables. According to a patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Apple has designed a hinge mechanism that could be part of the company’s rumored augmented reality (AR) glasses. Earlier this year, Apple launched the Vision Pro in the U.S. as its first wearable spatial computer, and future models are expected to resemble regular glasses.

Apple Patent Application for Dual Axis Hinge Mechanism

In the patent application that was filed published by the U.S. Patent Office last week, Apple explains its use of a dual-axis hinge on a pair of glasses. The document describes the hinge’s ability to open the glasses into three positions: open (nominal), folded, and hyperextended.

Figures showing the dual-axis hinge on smart glasses
Photo credit: US Patent Office/Apple

Apple says a hinge with “multiple axes of rotation of various components” would allow the arm of the AR glasses to move between different stable positions. The hinge design would also allow the smart glasses to “apply clamping force to a wide range of head shapes.”

Another advantage of using the dual-axis hinge mechanism is the ability to equip the hinge with a cable that connects components in the arm and frame of the smart glasses. The redesigned hinge also ensures that the components remain secure, according to the company’s patent document.

References to Apple ‘Eyewear’ in patent application

The patent document contains multiple references to “eyewear,” suggesting the company is developing the technology with a view to eventually launching its own pair of smart glasses. Previous reports have attempted to predict the shift from a mixed reality headset (the Apple Vision Pro) to something more streamlined.

Last month, it was reported that the iPhone maker is planning to launch a foldable iPhone and AR glasses in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Apple isn’t the only company reportedly working on smart glasses. Asus, Meta, Samsung and Lenovo are among the company’s rivals also working on similar technology.