While the current Vision Pro headset connects to a separate external battery, a new Apple patent reveals a possible future battery assembly for HMDs that are integrated into an internal guide rail for an optical module.

In Apple's patent background they noted that a primary challenge when developing head-mounted displays (HMDs), particularly HMDs that have small form factors, is achieving a suitable battery life while still maintaining functionality and an acceptable shape and size. Performing the necessary computing functions, while still making the HMD stylish and light enough that a user could wear the device for an extended period of time demands novel solutions.

Given the power needs of HMDs and current battery technology, a user may be required to remove and charge the device several times a day or keep the device tethered to a power source. Additionally, internal batteries with lower power capacities can be utilized to maintain power to fundamental operations of the system, such as memory retention. Accordingly, there is a need to enhance the options for power sources in an HMD.

Apple's patent provides solutions that enable a battery to be integrated into a structural component or structure, such as a guide rail for an optical module, without increasing the overall size or shape of the HMD.

HMDs can utilize on board batteries to handle peak loads or to provide greater portability. Further, HMDs need to be lightweight and space efficient to enhance the user experience. HMDs are formed with a number of structural components, including guide rods (also referred to herein as guide rails or structural components) to allow optical modules to translate for adjustment to accommodate the user's interpupillary distance (IPD). In some examples, the guide rods can be hollow to reduce weight.

Apple envision using guide rods as the thermal and mechanical enclosure for a cylindrical cell battery. In some examples, the battery integrated into a guide rod can be a pouch cell, prismatic cell, or any other suitable lithium battery. The battery housing becomes a linear mechanism surface that can be tuned for a low coefficient of friction to facilitate the continued function as a guide rail. Similarly, the properties of composite materials selected for the guide rail housing can provide thermal resistance and mechanical strength. Further, complexity of traditional mechanical housings for batteries are eliminated, thereby reducing costs and weight, and enabling more efficient packaging solutions in system.

While some HMDs can also include a larger primary battery that is integrated into the HMD housing or a separate external battery that is tethered to the HMD, the inclusion of batteries into the guide rails can be advantageous for any number of low-power functionalities or peak power loads.

For example, the batteries integrated into the guide rails can be used when the HMD is unplugged from a primary power source, can be used during a reboot process, can be used for memory retention, and/or can be used for low battery modes.

The guide rail can include an interconnect extending out from the battery and connected to a main logic board (MLB). In some examples, the HMD can include at least one guide rail, and in some examples can include four guide rails (two upper and two lower). Each guide rail can be integrated with a battery positioned within the hollow volume of the guide rail housing. In some examples, the guide rail can be a structural component with an optical module movably attached thereto.

For full details, review Apple's patent application 20250060601. Interestingly Apple's patent filed in Europe identified Apple as the applicant of the patent, as presented below.

In the U.S. Apple decided to only list the Apple engineers as the inventors but not be on record as the applicant/owner. Apple does this to avoid Patently Apple and others in finding certain Apple patents in a general search in the U.S.. When the patent is granted, Apple has to identify their ownership at that time in order to own the patent on record should they need to use it in a lawsuit. It's a common practice for Apple and other tech companies.

Listed Inventors 

• Aidan Zimmerman: Sr. Product Design Technical Lead
• ivan marić: product design engineer
• Ritu Shah: Product Design Engineer

Securement Arms for Smartglasses

Last Thursday, Patently Apple posted an IP report titled "Four Apple patents published today focus on delivering an Adjustable Securement Arm System for Future Smartglasses." Yesterday, the U.S. Patent Office published Apple's fifth patent 20250067998 regarding an adjustable securement arm. Below are a series of patent figures relating to the patent.