Apple Vision Pro could get an action button

The Apple Vision Pro hasn't been on the market for long, but Apple is already apparently thinking about future improvements. A newly published patent reveals that Apple is working on an additional input option for the headset—specifically, a touch-sensitive sensor that closely resembles the iPhone's Action Button. If this technology is released, it could significantly change the way the Vision Pro is used.

The Action Button was first introduced with the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022. It then made its way to the iPhone 15 Pro and is now standard across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. The button can be freely assigned by the user, for example, for the camera, flashlight, or focus mode. Apple seems to find the concept so compelling that it is now considering it for the Vision Pro as well. This is shown by a new patent titled "Electronic Devices with Finger Sensors."

A sensor that detects more than just typing

The patent isn't just about a button, but rather a touch-sensitive surface that can detect a wide variety of inputs. According to the description, the sensor is supposed to register touches, force inputs, and even the proximity of a finger. It's conceivable, then, that you'll be able to control the headset in the future with swipe gestures, taps, or light pressure – without the need for external controllers. Apple doesn't explicitly use the term "action button," but the description fits this function very well. One point in the patent makes this particularly clear: The sensor area is supposed to enable a "reconfigurable series of functions." This means that you can decide for yourself which function is triggered with the sensor – just like with the action button on the iPhone (via USPTO).

Position and technology of the sensor

According to the patent, the sensor could be mounted "along a peripheral edge of an external display on the front" of the headset. That means at the front of the headset, easily accessible with your hand. The sensor would also provide haptic feedback—small vibrations or pulses so you can feel when your input has been recognized. A proximity sensor would also be integrated, detecting when a finger approaches the sensor, even without touching it. This could make operation even smoother and faster, without requiring you to press.

This is how Apple sees the application area

Interestingly, the patent primarily addresses the "how" rather than the "why." It's primarily concerned with the technical implementation: Which sensors are needed? Where should they be placed? How can you ensure that the input works reliably? The illustrations in the patent show a larger, flat input surface rather than a traditional button. One image even resembles an oversized version of the Digital Crown, familiar from the Apple Watch. This suggests that Apple isn't just thinking of a simple additional function, but rather a central control element.

Will the sensor be included in the next Vision Pro?

It is unclear whether this sensor was already planned for the first version of the Apple Vision Pro or will only appear in later models. It is possible that the idea was originally intended for the first version but then discarded. It is also conceivable that Apple is working on a function for a future model. It is striking that the patent is rather short, with only 19 pages and around 2,300 words – significantly shorter than Apple's usual 40 pages. This could be an indication that it is early research work. Nevertheless, the list of inventors is striking: One of the people involved is Ritu Shah, who has already filed numerous patents with Apple in the field of mixed reality.

Action Button as the next step in the Apple Vision Pro?

The Apple Vision Pro could get a touch-sensitive action button in the future. According to the patent, Apple is working on a sensor that recognizes various inputs, can be individually assigned, and provides haptic feedback. This is very similar to the action button on the iPhone – only adapted for operating a headset. Whether and when this technology will end up in a product remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Apple is continuing to develop the Vision Pro and is looking for ways to make it even more intuitive to use. (Image: Shutterstock / Ringo Chiu)