Could this patent hint at controllers for Apple Vision Pro?

Apple has been pretty adamant so far that its new mixed-reality headset doesn't need any controllers. While other VR headsets opt for small handheld controllers, interfacing with the Apple Vision Pro is done completely with hand tracking, eye tracking, and integrated Siri voice commands. However, a new patent filed by Apple could hint that the company is expanding the headset's portfolio.

We're yet to try the Apple Vision Pro since it's only launched in the US, so we aren't quite sure how it'll match up against the best VR headsets. Personally, I think the lack of tactile controllers in VR gaming scenarios would mean it'll miss a certain element of "feel" that's surprisingly important to that type of experience. 

While there's been no official word from Apple about plans for Vision Pro accessories like this, a new patent originally spotted by The Mac Observer does seem like it's discussing controllers designed for Apple's headset. 

For clarity, the patent is filed by Apple itself, and mentions a "head-mounted device and a handheld controller for controlling the electronic device". The patent is titled "Handheld controllers with charging and storage systems", and was originally filed in July of 2023, around the time Apple Vision Pro was originally revealed. 

The document was then published on February 29 this year, but that lengthy gap between filing and publishing may signal that handheld controllers for Vision Pro could already be in development. 

The patent itself shows multiple diagrams of the invention it outlines. The controllers are described as "a housing with an elongated shaft extending between first and second tip portions" and the description says the housing may have "a flat surface and a curved surface", which makes it sound like a remote for the Nintendo Wii.

Conveniently, some diagrams show how the potential controllers could attach to the headset, and also charge by coming into contact with them. We've seen these small magnetic chargers be used by