The Apple Vision Pro can be purposed for several tasks in tackling productivity or media consumption, but transforming into a medical device was not mentioned before, that is, until an update was provided in the latest report. Apparently, Apple has explored a use case for the latest AR headset to diagnose and treat mental health issues, plus other monitoring capabilities, as we take a deeper dive into the company’s plans for the future.

Apple Vision Pro has been experimented with to detect PTSD, anxiety, stress and even provide data on early heart failure signs

The report comes from The Information, with Wayne Ma talking about Apple Vision Pro being explored to diagnose various mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and more. The mixed-reality headset can be used to detect eye-tracking and pupil dilation, with external cameras being able to measure a person’s ‘affect,’ or how someone expresses emotions through certain facial patterns. If the headset can detect an emotionless expression, it can be a sign of a specific mental health issue.

After successfully isolating the mental health issue, The Apple Vision Pro would then be able to display images and play sounds, which would improve the person’s mental condition. VR headsets are already in use by researchers to diagnose and treat PTSD by exposing patients to their fears in a safe manner, so Apple’s exploration of the headset’s medical properties is nothing new.

As for other health problems, the Apple Vision Pro could have a use there too, with its IR eye-tracking cameras being able to detect blood vessels in the eyes, allowing the device to determine if the wearer is showing early signs of heart failure. There was also the possibility of incorporating the detection of Parkinson’s disease, but the idea was taken off the table due to unreliability.

Of course, exploration is one thing, and bringing the feature to the masses is another. Even if the Apple Vision Pro can successfully diagnose and treat the aforementioned afflictions, it will not be termed as a medical device before undergoing stringent clinical trials and receiving a multitude of approvals from health regulators. Some Apple employees are also concerned about the legal firestorm that may ensue if the device’s medical capabilities do not work as advertised.

It is unclear if these health-focused features will arrive with the first iteration of the Apple Vision Pro, or if the results are deemed unsatisfactory, the technology giant could prevent further work on them. Assuming the head-mounted wearable ends up being successful as a medical apparatus, the biggest hurdle for consumers will be its $3,499 price tag, but Apple is internally brainstorming on how to bring down the cost, such as using an iPhone chipset instead of a Mac one, and an inferior panel, so that future models become more accessible.

News Source: The Information