Quick summary
Samsung might be working on some new AR glasses, and a new patent suggests they'll have a case.
This would wirelessly charge the glasses or headset, although it might never arrive.
Apple's Vision Pro isn't going to have the high-end AR headset market to itself for much longer, it would seem (and that's if you accept that it already does, which is debatable).
Samsung is one of Apple's many competitors that is reportedly working on a high-level premium AR headset or glasses, and while we don't have any official news about when to expect them or what they might bring to the table, a new patent has given at least one hint.
As spotted by 91mobiles, Samsung filed a patent earlier this year describing a charging case for a compact new headset, and it seems like it uses a pretty interesting system.
Whereas most chargers of this type now would need to align with some charging pins on the headset or have a charging pad that the headset can be placed on carefully, this would work differently. The case would seemingly have two charging points that could be aligned with the headset's actual lenses, which would then be able to transfer charge when correctly positioned.
They would presumably therefore have charging coils concealed around them, which is a smart double-use of space, and it's possible that by having two lenses and two coils the headset could also charge faster than it would by using just a single coil.
Whenever we cover a patent, though, it has to come with the same significant caveat - this might never come to market! While Samsung doubtless is working on some ambitious smart glasses or a headset to rival the Vision Pro, there's absolutely no guarantee that its own eventual product will use this charging case system, if it even does eventually arrive.
There are many things that could change between now and then, not least Samsung establishing whether there's enough of a market for its headset, and this charging system will have to be cost-efficient to build if it's going to make the cut. So, keep an eye out, because there might be more interesting patents and leaks of this kind to come.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Max is a freelance writer with years of experience in tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor. He has tested all manner of tech too, from headphones and speakers to apps and software.
-
Google working with new partner on future Wear OS watches, and it's a name you might recognise already
Hopefully it means more variety will come back
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
If your car runs on Android, you'll soon have a whole bunch of free toys to play with
There's a new version of Android Automotive coming to your car
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could get an unexpected display change that might shock, but the camera should make up for it
Details of the new Galaxy S25 Ultra are leaking thick and fast
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE render leaks – massive camera upgrade and thinner
Samsung's special edition Fold could be something to behold
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 adds Galaxy AI features to CoPilot+ PC
Looks like a terrific laptop
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Sony's rival to Vision Pro clears certification, prepare for a major XR headset announcement
Sony's headset looks mightily interesting
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Here's the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE in the flesh – launch imminent
Samsung just certified its new Galaxy S24 variant
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Pixel Fold just got a neat new trick
Translating conversations just got better
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE to reportedly get the camera boost the standard model lacks
Time for a big camera upgrade
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra concept renders show a potential iPhone beater
Samsung might be cooking up a beauty
By Max Freeman-Mills Published