Apple often files unusual and kind of excessive patents for products that can expand the capabilities of its existing products. While many of the patent ideas remain confined to Apple's offices, some of them make their way to the commercial market. Today, we have one such patent that describes a full-featured keyboard accessory for iPads that can turn your tablet into a Mac-like device. Let's check out the details below.
Apple files a patent: An iPad keyboard accessory to make it more like a Mac
Apple recently filed a patent, titled "Hinged Keyboard Accessory Having Multiple Installation Modes for a Tablet," with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It describes a full-fledged keyboard accessory for iPads, including a slot for a stylus and even a Touch Bar-like display. While Apple already has a unique Magic Keyboard for iPads, it's more like a folio case for hybrid keyboards.
The keyboard accessory in the patent, on the other hand, will have "electromechanical" keys and a large MacBook-like trackpad to provide a PC experience. It will also have a folding hinge that will allow users to fold their tablet and carry it around along with the keyboard attached to it, much like a laptop. The patent also mentions that there could be a dedicated slot for the Apple Pencil and a small touch screen.
It is also suggested that this functionality may bring a "macOS-like interface" to further make it equivalent to a Mac machine. However, we are not sure if this is something that can become a reality.
