Tech accessory makers are taking bold—and sometimes bizarre—creative liberties. Dbrand, the company famed for its high-quality skins and cases for smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles, has once again raised eyebrows. Their latest creation? An Aperture faceplate for Apple’s Vision Pro that’s as protective as it is peculiar, featuring a trypophobia-inducing pattern reminiscent of a Crocs clog.

When Apple unveiled the Vision Pro, its futuristic design—with its curved laminated glass display and minimalist aesthetic—captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts worldwide. However, as immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences become increasingly integrated into daily life, users are starting to consider the practical implications of wearing such an expensive piece of technology. Priced at a cool $3,499, the Vision Pro is not just a device; it’s an investment in a new era of digital interaction.

Enter Dbrand with its Aperture faceplate—a protective accessory designed to add an extra layer of defense to the high-end headset. While the cover may seem to detract from the Vision Pro’s refined look, it offers significant benefits in scenarios where durability is key. Imagine being so immersed in a virtual environment that you accidentally walk into a wall. With the Aperture faceplate in place, the risk of damage to that costly device is reduced considerably.

The story behind this unconventional accessory is as interesting as its design. The idea was originally sparked by Kyle Goodrich, a former AR designer at Snap, who in February 2024 3D-printed a rudimentary cover for his Vision Pro. Goodrich’s concept was simple: if there was enough demand, why not produce a more refined, production-quality version? His idea quickly garnered attention online, prompting Dbrand to step in with a collaborative twist.

Rather than simply replicating a 3D-printed design, Dbrand’s engineering team opted for a more robust approach. The Aperture faceplate is now manufactured using a “single-shot injection of high-durometer polyurethane,” a method that ensures durability while maintaining the cover’s form and function. The result is a faceplate that snaps neatly onto the front of the Vision Pro, with a series of meticulously arranged holes that do more than just catch the eye—they’re engineered so as not to interfere with any of the device’s critical cameras or sensors.

At first glance, the Aperture faceplate may evoke mixed feelings. The pattern of seemingly random holes, while aesthetically reminiscent of the perforated designs found on some fashion accessories (or, in this case, the infamous Crocs clogs), isn’t just for show. Every hole has been strategically positioned to ensure that the Vision Pro’s cameras, sensors, speakers, digital crown, and air vents remain unobstructed. In practical terms, users can still enjoy the full spectrum of the Vision Pro’s features—from hand tracking and immersive AR experiences to capturing 3D spatial photos and videos—without compromise.

There is, however, one notable trade-off. The faceplate does obscure parts of the Vision Pro’s low-resolution OLED screen known as EyeSight, which is designed to display the user’s eyes to the outside world. For some, this might be seen as a drawback, potentially limiting a key aspect of the device’s social interface. Yet, many argue that this could be considered a benefit. Critics have long noted that the EyeSight display can be too dim and is prone to reflections on the glass, which can detract from its intended effect. With the Aperture cover in place, the display’s imperfections are masked—perhaps even diverting attention to the accessory’s quirky design.

Beyond its conversation-starting appearance, the Aperture faceplate addresses a very real concern for Vision Pro users: accidental damage. Given the immersive nature of AR experiences, it’s not inconceivable that users might occasionally lose spatial awareness. A stumble into a wall, a sudden jolt, or even a clumsy moment during a fully engaged session could spell disaster for a $3,499 headset. The faceplate offers a buffer against such mishaps, acting as a first line of defense.

Complementing the faceplate is a matching holster, available as part of a $69 bundle (or separately with the faceplate for $49). This holster is more than just an aesthetic add-on—it’s a thoughtfully designed accessory intended to secure the Vision Pro’s external battery. Users can clip the battery onto a garment or belt, reducing the risk of accidentally yanking it free and subjecting it to scratches or dents. In today’s mobile, always-connected lifestyle, such practical features can make a significant difference.