Dbrand has announced a unique and somewhat unsettling way to protect the Apple Vision Pro, completely transforming the sleek aesthetics of the headset's curved laminated glass display. The new Aperture faceplate features a trypophobia-inducing pattern of seemingly random holes that are actually strategically positioned to avoid blocking any of the AVP's cameras or sensors.

The original idea for the Aperture faceplate came from Kyle Goodrich, a former AR designer at Snap, who designed and 3D-printed a cover for his Vision Pro in February 2024. After a positive response to Goodrich's thoughts on making "a small run of these if there's enough demand," Dbrand offered to collaborate and manufacture it for him.

The Dbrand Aperture Vision Pro Face Cover is available now on its own for $49, or as part of a $69 bundle that includes a matching holster allowing the Vision Pro's battery to be clipped to a garment instead of having it weighing down a pocket. The face cover is made from a "single-shot injection of high-durometer polyurethane" and snaps onto the front of the Vision Pro, featuring cutouts around the edges for the headset's speakers, digital crown, and air vents.

Most of the Vision Pro's features, including hand-tracking, immersive AR environments, and even capturing 3D Spatial photos and videos, are still available with the face cover in use. However, the Aperture does inhibit one feature: EyeSight. Parts of the Vision Pro's low-res OLED screen used to display a user's eyes to the outside world will be obscured by the cover. But, as noted in our review of the Apple Vision Pro, EyeSight was found to be disappointing, with the OLED display being too dim and often obscured by reflections on the glass.

The Aperture's matching holster is potentially a more useful accessory, allowing users to securely attach the battery to a belt and protecting it from scratches and dents in case it takes a tumble. For Vision Pro users who forgot they were tethered to a battery and accidentally yanked it onto the floor while moving around, this could be a valuable addition.

It's worth noting that The Verge recently collaborated with Dbrand on a series of skins and cases, but this partnership does not appear to have influenced the development or design of the Aperture faceplate.

The Aperture faceplate is available in two color options: black and orange. While the design may not be to everyone's taste, it does provide an extra layer of protection for the $3,499 headset, and the holster offers a convenient way to manage the battery. As the AR/VR market continues to evolve, innovative accessories like the Aperture faceplate will play a crucial role in enhancing the user experience.