Apple Patent Suggests Future iPad Could Transform Into macOS-Like Experience When Attached to a Keyboard

[MacRumors]

A new Apple patent has suggested that a future iPad or version of iPadOS could include the ability to transform the tablet into a macOS-like user experience when it's attached to an external keyboard.

The patent, first reported by Patently Apple, is wide-ranging in its potential implementation. Apple regularly patents dozens of ideas, and only very few ever see the light of day. Nonetheless, this patent describes a base device, such as a keyboard that includes keys and a trackpad, that could be coupled with a computing device, such as an iPad, to deliver what seems like a macOS similar experience with an Apple Pencil.

Image from the patent that depicts a macOS-like user experience with an Apple Pencil​

Adding credence that the patent depicts an iPad and keyboard combo, other images in the filing reveal how the computing device can be detected from the keyboard and used standalone, similar to how users can currently detach the iPad from the Magic Keyboard.

Images from the patent​

Alternatively, the patent could be envisioning a future MacBook and iPad combo, where both devices merge into one. Detached from a keyboard, the combo serves as an iPad with the Apple Pencil; then, when attached to a keyboard, it transforms into a Mac with touchscreen capabilities. Apple has long said a touch screen Mac is not something it aims or wants to make, so perhaps a combo of the iPad and MacBook is the future of Apple's computer line.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, in his April 17 edition of his Power On newsletter floated a seemingly identical idea to the one presented in Apple's patent filed earlier this week. Gurman speculated in the newsletter that the future of the iPad should consist of three modes: a touch-screen mode, an Apple Pencil optimized experience, and a "Pro" mode that turns on when a keyboard or external display is attached/connected. While purely speculative and wishful thinking, Gurman has reported that Apple is planning a revamped multitasking experience for iPadOS 16.

iPadOS 16 is set to be previewed in one month at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference that's taking place from June 6 through June 10. There, Apple will preview not only iPadOS 16 but also iOS 16, which is rumored to include new health features, improved notifications, and more. For a full rundown of everything we expect from iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, be sure to see our roundup.

Article Link: Apple Patent Suggests Future iPad Could Transform Into macOS-Like Experience When Attached to a Keyboard

 

[Infinite Vortex]

Soooooo basically Samsung DEX.

 

[George Dawes]

So basically Tim’s been telling porky pies all along , that is a surprise

 

[DarknussAw1ld]

This is exactly what I want Tim Apple.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

That’s great and all but it’s the software (iPad OS) that needs a lot of work. Let’s see what WWDC has to offer.

 

[JosephAW]

I’ve been asking for this for a while now. Now that we have a M1 iPad and a M1 Mac, Apple could provide dual booting solutions that when you dock your iPad it becomes your MacOS-iPad computer using thunderbolt 4 connector dock for all your storage and monitors and peripherals.
They probably already testing this in their secret lab.

 

[Sciomar]

Could Apple finally be listening to the consumers?! We need this.

 

[notabadname]

I wonder if the computer is essentially in the keyboard, and the iPad simply transitions to a monitor mode - like a more advanced “sidecar” implementation.

 

[iZac]

Finally, my $2,250 iPad might do something more than doodle on ProCreate 😅

(yes I'm the idiot who spent two grand to use a $10 app)

 

[MajorFubar]

Good. They couldn't go on forever with a processor like the M1 sat in something that's only good for drawing pictures and consuming SM content.

 

[MrDerby01]

DEX anyone? Dex is really cool and well ahead of the competition.

 

[GuruZac]

The question is does this work retrograde with 2018+ iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, just M1 powered iPads, or only a new iPad Pro and new Magic Keyboard that looks closer to what’s in the schematic above? If it works with all iPads with an attached keyboard/mouse/trackpad this could be huge and what many of us have been waiting for.

 

[GuruZac]

That’s great and all but it’s the software (iPad OS) that needs a lot of work. Let’s see what WWDC has to offer.

Agreed. I’m hoping Mark Gurman is correct and there are essentially three modes: Touch first available by default on every iPad, an Apple Pencil mode that supports more precise input, and a ‘Pro’ mode that is enabled when the device is paired to Magic Keyboard or external keyboard/mouse that gives us floating windows and a more Dex-like or macOS like experience. I would be totally happy with a full desktop experience on my iPad Pro so that I could completely disconnect from macOS.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

My IPP feels *somewhat* like a MBP when connected to the keyboard. The first time, it felt strange, but it really did work. One huge benefit is a touch sensitive screen. Drawbacks are sometimes 'large', but not usual deal breakers.

The merger of macOS and iOS is happening, and it's not as scary as it at first seemed. (Have I sold out? Am I delusional?) I can still come up with reasons for having a 'full computer', but feel for 'most people', an IPP and Magic Keyboard could/should be enough.

I'm not ready for a single device that replaces all of my computers. A bridge too far for me, now, currently.

 

[4087258]

This is bull sh*t from Windows “hybrid” user experience. Crap.

 

[AFPBoy]

Not my idea - but eventually the iPhone will be our computer, with the phone itself being the trackpad in a device, almost like a docking station.

 

[Edsel]

This is what Microsoft has been doing for many years. I don't see anything patentable here.

 

[nvmls]

Ironic how they keep touting "what's a computer" with a garbage OS. The almighty netflix finger "computer".

iPadOS will never catch up or surpass macOS (even with macOS worsening every year), a full fledged desktop OS has been the real deal since day 1, the rest is marketing BS over and over and people biting.

 

[coredev]

The question is does this work retrograde with 2018+ iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, just M1 powered iPads, or only a new iPad Pro and new Magic Keyboard that looks closer to what’s in the schematic above? If it works with all iPads with an attached keyboard/mouse/trackpad this could be huge and what many of us have been waiting for.

My guess would be M1 powered iPads.

 

[t0rqx]

It is inevitable. There is no way the M1 just got placed into iPads like this. Now they need to speed this up and make it happen!

 

[Padaung]

Soooooo, does anyone here think Apple has heard of the Microsoft Surface devices?

It makes you wonder how thorough the patent search process was...

 

[Greenmeenie]

This is the inevitable evolution of the iPad. Combine the best of both the tablet & the laptop. Others have tried & failed. Apple will do it right. They won’t compromise on the functionality of either. Personally I have converted to an iPad/iOs only workflow.

 

[SpringKid]

Finally, my $2,250 iPad might do something more than doodle on ProCreate ?

(yes I'm the idiot who spent two grand to use a $10 app)

I don't see the problem with that? ProCreate is definitely one of the best apps around, maybe even the best when it comes to drawing.

 

[bigboy29]

Apple: we will never make MacBooks with touch screens!
Also Apple: we will make iPads into MacBooks.
(I know, I know it is not exactly that and that is an over-simplification but...)
?‍♂️

 

[singularity0993]

I like the iPad wallpaper in the first image where can I get it?