The Apple Vision Pro, a marvel of augmented reality technology, has one glaring flaw: its battery life. Currently, users are tethered to a wall socket for uninterrupted experiences, as the headset’s battery only lasts about two hours. But what if Apple had a plan to liberate us from this cord?

A recently discovered patent application offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future. Titled “HMD with Charging Device,” the patent suggests the Vision Pro could be powered by a wearable electronic device, likely connected magnetically. While the document is as vague as most patents, the accompanying drawings tell a more intriguing story.

(Note: According to Apple’s patent filing (PDF version), HDM stands for head-mounted device)

Depictions within the patent strongly resemble AirPods. These tiny earbuds, usually nestled comfortably in our ears, might soon double as power banks for the Vision Pro. The idea is as audacious as it is impractical. Even if an AirPod could be magically transformed into a high-capacity battery, the charging time would likely be negligible compared to the Vision Pro’s power consumption.

So, if AirPods are unlikely to be the solution, what other wearable could Apple be considering? The Apple Watch is another possibility, but its battery is primarily designed for a different set of functions. The rumored Apple Ring is even less likely to be a viable power source.

This leaves us with one intriguing possibility: a specialized battery strap for the Vision Pro. Apple has already shown a willingness to experiment with different straps, as evidenced by the Vision Pro Developer Strap. Could a future strap house a powerful battery, extending the headset’s runtime significantly?

While this is pure speculation, the patent application serves as a fascinating hint at Apple’s ambitions for the Vision Pro. As with all patents, there’s no guarantee this technology will ever see the light of day. But it’s an exciting prospect, and one that could revolutionize how we interact with augmented reality.

The road to a truly wireless Vision Pro is undoubtedly long and filled with challenges. But if Apple can overcome these hurdles, the possibilities are endless. A future where we can immerse ourselves in virtual worlds without the constraints of cables is within reach.