Apple patent application describes dual-axis hinge mechanism that could come to Apple’s smartglasses

Apple’s purported smart glasses may be years away, but it appears the company is working on hardware that could be included in its next generation of wearable devices. According to a patent application published by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Apple has designed a hinge mechanism that could be a part of the company’s rumored augmented reality (AR) glasses. Earlier this year, Apple launched the Vision Pro in the US as its first wearable spatial computer, and future models are expected to be similar to regular glasses.

Apple patent application for dual-axis hinge mechanism

In a patent application published by the US Patent Office last week, Apple describes the use of a dual-axis hinge on a pair of glasses. The document describes the ability of the hinge used to open the arm in three positions – open (nominally), flexed, and hyperextended.

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

Apple says a hinge with “multiple axes of rotation for different parts” will allow the arm of the AR glasses to move between different static positions. The hinge design will also allow the smart glasses to “apply clamping force to a wide range of heads.”

Another advantage of using the dual-axis hinge mechanism is the ability to equip the hinge with a cable that will connect the components in the arm and the frame of the smart glasses. According to the company’s patent document, the redesigned hinge will allow the components to remain secure.

Apple ‘Eyewear’ reference in patent application

The patent document includes multiple references to ‘eyewear’, which suggests the company is developing the technology to eventually launch its own pair of smart glasses. Previous reports have attempted to predict a shift from a mixed reality headset (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 is reportedly not the only company working on smart glasses. Asus, Meta, Samsung and Lenovo are some of the company’s rivals who are working on similar technology.