Apple working on lighter VR headset that can be used for longer period

Apple has imagined a new head-mounted display design that could dramatically shrink the size of a VR or AR headset

Gamers wearing virtual reality (VR) glasses play games at a stall during the India Gaming Show South 2018 expo at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre on January 19, 2018. (AFP)

Apple has filed a patent for a device that appears to be much more lightweight than other Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) headsets introduced by Microsoft and Facebook-owned Oculus VR.

According to the patent published by the US Patent and Trademark Office, Apple has imagined a new head-mounted display design that could dramatically shrink the size of a VR or AR headset, SlashGear reported late on Friday.

"Dubbed 'Optical System for Head-mounted Display', the filing describes a multi-lens configuration that could be significantly lighter and less bulky than existing designs.

The Cupertino-headquartered giant has also pointed out in its filing that it "might help reduce fatigue in users and allow for longer periods of use", the report added.

Apple reportedly proposed that the device will use what is called a "catadioptric" system that form the basis of optical telescopes, microscopes and telephoto lenses.

Using the same system, Apple may be able to do away with the magnifying lenses used in standard VR headsets to blow up images large enough for users to see.

It could considerably reduce the weight of such a product and help slim down its design in the process, according to The Verge.