Apple patent describes an iPad keyboard with a mac-OS-like user interface

Various rumors that Apple will release a MacBook/iPad hybrid have been circulating for some time now. Today, the US Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple another new patent that raises new suspicions. According to an Apple patent, this new patent includes an iPad hinged keyboard with an iPad using a macOS-like interface.

This keyboard will provide more flexibility for users with multiple installation modes. It also shows a MacBook-like device where an iPad with a macOS-like user interface is magnetically attached to this keyboard.

The patent also suggests that the keyboard hinge could magnetically support the Apple Pencil. Obviously, Apple thinks the hinge could even support additional accessories like a camera, projector or microphone – it’s also likely that the iPad’s form factor will be upgraded along with this accessory.

As stated in the patent, the accessory has both a base part and a connecting mechanism; the base part could include a keyboard with a set of electromechanical keys. The connector mechanism can be on the side of the keyboard or on the bottom of the iPad.

So chances are that Apple is considering a hybrid MacBook/iPad device. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently mentioned his take on Apple creating an iPadOS Pro concept with multiple Mac-like modes – while most users don’t want Mac capabilities in their iPad, many power users disagree.

Many lacked experience with iPadOS, so the power of MacOS in the iPad form factor will be a welcome new product. iPadOS 16 is expected to arrive this year, and we’re hoping to see a rather long wish list coming soon.

Do you think we’ll ever see a MacBook/iPad hybrid?

Only time will tell if this patent will be implemented. We expect more new Macs to be announced this year at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

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