Newly revealed research from Apple shows that it has been exploring how to get Apple Vision Pro to track its wearer’s breathing as part of health monitoring.
Back in June 2024, code found in visionOS suggested that the Apple Vision Pro was going to get respiratory tracking. Specifically, it was code that suggested this would be a feature of the headset’s Mindfulness app.
References in code, and especially when there were several as there were this time, usually mean a feature is imminent. One year later, there’s no sign of it in the Apple Vision Pro.
But, the feature has popped up in a newly-granted patent.
The patent is called “Non-Contact Respiration Sensing,” and many of its illustrations actually look more like Apple Glass-style spectacles than the current Apple Vision Pro. But further illustrations show the current headset and the text is agnostic about what face-wear device it concerns.
It’s significant that there is at least this implication that the patent’s technology concerns the current Apple Vision Pro. Especially given the code references in 2024, it would suggest that the hardware to achieve respiration tracking is already present in the headset.
Yet if it is, it’s not clear why Apple hasn’t enabled it. Possibly despite the code, this really is for a future version.
Nonetheless, what it proposes is the use of interferometric sensors placed around where the headset rests on the user’s nose.
“[One or more] interferometric sensors may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation towards an expected airflow path for respiration of a user,” says the patent, “and generate one or more interferometric signals including information about particle movement in the expected airflow path for respiration of the user.”
These sensors could provide data to the headset that would let it determine, “respiration rate, respiration velocity, respiration volume, respiration quality,” and “whether a user is breathing through a nose or a mouth.” It could also provide information “about particles inhaled… and exhaled.”
Apple’s patent does not mention mindfulness, but then it doesn’t explicitly mention any use case. As ever, the patent is focused on how something can be done, rather than why it might be useful.
But it’s easy to see the potential health benefits of the proposed technology. The Apple Vision Pro could, for instance, warn users of elevated carbon dioxide in the air they’re breathing — just as Apple Watch warns them when their environment is too loud.
Or speaking of the Apple Watch, this could be a way to mimic how that device presents mindfulness features. On the Apple Watch, the mindfulness breathing exercise includes haptic feedback as the wearer is meant to breathe in or out.
With the Apple Vision Pro and these sensors, the headset could not just prompt steady and mindful breathing, but determine whether it is being done.
This patent was applied for in May 2023 and is credited to three inventors. Those include Miaolei Yan, whose previous work for Apple includes location detection using tiny gas sensors in an iPhone.
The intricate technology behind respiration sensing in the Apple Vision Pro employs cutting-edge innovations to offer a seamless and impactful user experience. At the core of this technology are sophisticated interferometric sensors, strategically placed on the headset to capture precise respiratory data. These sensors function by emitting electromagnetic radiation towards the user’s expected airflow path, detecting subtle changes and generating detailed signals.
Moreover, this advanced system leverages coherent optical sensing techniques, including Doppler velocimetry and heterodyning, which have the capacity to measure a range of physical phenomena. By processing the generated signals, the device can accurately determine key respiratory metrics such as rate, velocity, volume, and quality. This detailed insight not only identifies whether a user is breathing through their nose or mouth, but it also goes a step further to analyze particles being inhaled or exhaled, providing a comprehensive view of the user’s respiratory health.
Integrating this elaborate sensing mechanism into the Apple Vision Pro could redefine how users perceive their physiological state in real-time. The system’s ability to offer feedback on unseen environmental factors, such as detecting elevated carbon dioxide levels, introduces a proactive approach to personal wellness. The resonance with existing Apple products, like the haptic feedback in the Apple Watch’s breathing exercises, symbolizes a unified vision towards a more mindful future.
As the technology continues to evolve, the potential for further applications becomes increasingly evident. The groundwork laid by these inventions presents an exciting realm of possibilities, not merely confined to mindfulness but extending into broader health and environmental monitoring. It’s a truly remarkable step towards a future where technology and well-being harmoniously intersect.
Embracing the benefits of respiratory monitoring through the Apple Vision Pro could significantly impact your mindfulness journey, offering transformative insights and newfound control over mental and physical well-being. The constant hustle and bustle of today’s world often leaves many feeling overwhelmed, yet cultivating mindful breathing practices has shown promise in alleviating stress and anxiety. By learning to track and interpret your own breathing patterns, the Apple Vision Pro empowers you to become more in tune with your body, acknowledging shifts in stress and promoting a sense of inner peace.
The personalized feedback provided by the device can be likened to having a wellness coach by your side, guiding you through techniques that enhance your daily practice. When you’re aware of your breathing state, you can easily modify and adjust your practices to better suit your immediate needs. Whether it’s about easing into a relaxed state or preparing for a focused task, the real-time adjustments serve to optimize your overall sense of well-being.
In addition, this technology doesn’t only cater to seasoned mindfulness enthusiasts. It’s also a welcoming gateway for newcomers eager to explore the transformative power of mindful breathing. The simplicity of being able to see and track your respiratory health visually serves as an encouraging motivator to continue nurturing mindfulness habits. Imagine achieving tranquility, not just sporadically but as a steadfast part of your routine, thanks to the device’s insightful guidance.
The potential for respiratory monitoring extends beyond just personal wellness. With its ability to provide early alerts on air quality changes, users can take conscious actions to maintain a healthy environment, adding another layer of mindfulness to their lifestyle. As technology evolves, such innovations ensure you are better equipped to respond to both internal cues and external influences, forging a harmonious balance that’s crucial for living a healthier, more aware life.
As users engage with the Apple Vision Pro’s respiratory monitoring features, the feedback has been predominantly encouraging, painting a promising picture for the future of mindfulness practices. Early adopters report a significant enhancement in their awareness of breathing patterns, attributing a new level of depth and effectiveness to their meditation and relaxation routines. The ability to visualize and track breathing in real-time has proven to be a potent tool, helping users to quickly recognize and address stress-related physiological responses.
Many users have expressed appreciation for the seamless integration of this advanced technology into a device already familiar for its immersive experiences. The Apple Vision Pro has transformed from being just a high-tech headset to a crucial participant in one’s wellness journey. The intuitive interface and the ease with which users can access customized breathing exercises have been particularly highlighted, likened to having a personal mindfulness coach constantly available.
Looking towards the future, the implications of this technology extend well beyond individual mindfulness practices. Developers and health professionals are keenly observing how these features could be adapted for therapeutic purposes, offering support in stress management programs or even clinical settings. There’s also potential for collaborative efforts in integrating respiratory monitoring with other transformative wellness technologies, creating a more rounded and comprehensive approach to personal health.
With Apple’s continuous innovation, there is optimism that subsequent iterations of the Apple Vision Pro could expand these capabilities even further. Potential enhancements could include more sophisticated environmental sensing, like pollutant and pollen monitoring, aligning with broader health trends. Such expansions would not only enhance individual training in mindfulness but could foster a more conscious, health-oriented user community.
As the technological landscape evolves, there’s an exciting opportunity for users and developers alike to explore the boundless potential of intertwining technology with personal well-being. The feedback from current users serves as a catalyst for future developments, inspiring a new era of health and mindfulness that is profoundly enriched by technological advancements.
