Apple has patented a hybrid tablet
This week, Apple was granted a patent in the United States for a new hybrid device. In actuality, this is a well-known 2-in-1 laptop with a detachable display, similar to a tablet.
Surprisingly, the company mentions in patent documents the usage of a desktop operating system similar to macOS. The 9to5Mac website addressed the issue, and the Patently Apple website published information on patents.
The iPad appears to be the device's foundation. It would link to the base via a specific connector (possibly magnetic) with a keyboard with "electromechanical buttons." Together with the drawn design, which also shows the touchpad (trackpad), the base resembles the Magic Keyboard more than other less complex tablet keyboards.
At the same time, the tablet can be put in the base in two ways: with the display facing the keyboard or away from it. This allows the gadget to close and the display to remain on the outside. This allows you to use the device in tablet mode without having to unplug the entire base.
The hinge, on the other hand, is interesting since it has a pretty prominent protrusion that conceals part of the display when the display is set up.
Its purpose is to allow you to connect other accessories or attach the Apple Pencil pen. Hardware such as a camera, microphone, light, or even a projector is mentioned in the patent literature. As a result, a hybrid laptop would be rather modular.
The patent goes on to describe many versions in which the hinge protrusion additionally features an integrated display. Across the desktop, and elsewhere, a tiny display akin to the Touch Bar. It might show information from the status bar that the protrusion itself overlaps, or it could provide other relevant information on how to utilize the gadget.
Special attention should be paid to the photographs depicting the display of the device running the operating system. It is evident at first glance that it will not be an iPadOS or any of its slightly modified variants. At the top of the screen, you can see desktop application icons, programs running in different windows, and even a status bar.
As a result, it is reasonable to believe that Apple is considering implementing this hybrid device in conjunction with macOS or another desktop operating system similar to macOS. This notion is not outlandish, because while iPads and MacBooks currently provide separate operating systems, they actually run on the same platform - the ARM chip Apple M.
However, it is crucial to note that filing and acquiring a patent does not have to imply anything just yet. Companies, particularly Apple, frequently patent numerous concepts or sorts of gadgets that have yet to be seen in actuality. Even if Apple did have intentions to integrate it, we still don't know when it will be available.
