Apple's new iPad patent shows how its next-generation tablet could work more like a full-blown Mac computer.
(Photo : by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
Apple employees compare the thickness of an iPhone and a new 'iPad mini' on the morning of the tablet's launch in the Apple Store in Covent Garden on November 2, 2012 in London, England.
Apple New iPad Patent
The Cupertino-based tech giant has been filing patents every now and then as it continues to work on innovations that could add to its ever-growing product line.
Although some patent filings make it a reality, others end up as mere concepts and ideas that fail to see the light of day.
However, the latest patent filing of the iPhone maker appears to echo earlier rumors saying that Apple is working on a MacBook and iPad hybrid, as per a news story by 9to5Mac.
The news outlet noted that multiple rumors suggest that a MacBook/iPad hybrid device is already in the works.
Meanwhile, according to a report by MacRumors, the display analyst, Mark Gurman, a Bloomberg journalist, previously mentioned the idea of an iPad that comes with a "Pro" mode.
He says that the "Pro" option turns on once the Apple tablet connects to either an external display or a keyboard.
It is worth noting that these rumors and reports never actually had concrete proof that Apple is quietly creating one.
Well, not until now that the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted a recent filing from the tech giant, which suggests an iPad/Mac hybrid.
Read Also: Refurbished Apple iPad Now Sells for Less Than $200! Here's Why You Should Get It
Apple iPad/Mac Hybrid?
To be more specific about it, according to a recent report by Patently Apple, the latest patent filing of the tech giant centers on an innovative iPad-keyboard accessory. It gives the next-gen Apple tablet features seemingly akin to what macOS readily offers.
Interestingly, the proposed keyboard design attaches seamlessly to the iPad through a magnet.
Once paired with the iPad, the keyboard, unlike its counterparts these days, provides the tablet with a macOS-like user interface.
macOS on iPad?
Patently Apple attached a sample illustration to showcase how the macOS-like UI looks when the keyboard activates it.
(Photo : by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)
A customer tries an Apple Inc. iPad Pro 9.7 inch at the company's Omotesando store on March 31, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. Apple Inc. launched its iPhone SE and iPad Pro 9.7 inch on March 31, 2016 in Japan.
As expected, the interface carries the menu bar on top, which provides essential information, such as the date and time, battery status, and WiFi connectivity. Not to mention that it also houses the drop-down menu options.
It also includes a non-iPad-looking feature - multiple windows overlapping like how it works on computers.
That's not all, though. the macOS-like interface that the keyboard triggers also comes with desktop icons.
The patent further said that the device that the keyboard attaches to is a computing device that works without it - exactly like how iPads work with the Magic Keyboard.
Related Article: iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 2 Now Vintage Products! Here's Will Apple Do To These Old Gadgets
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Teejay Boris
