Today the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple’s third patent application relating to a possible next-gen Magic Keyboard that will offer a new Apple Pencil retainer that will be handy for those on the go along with a new second-level mode that could position the iPad at a higher level from the keyboard and more.

Apple's patent FIG. 1 below illustrates an isometric view of a next-gen Magic Keyboard system concept that includes an Apple Pencil retainer at the opposite end of the USB-C charger; FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the electronic system shown in FIG. 1, showing the system a closed configuration with a new Apple Pencil retainer.

Apple's patent FIG. 5 below illustrates another view of the next-gen Magic Keyboard showing the iPad separated from the accessory with a digital pen; FIG. 7C illustrates a 2nd-Level iPad position mode that could lift the iPad higher from the keyboard.

Apple's patent FIG. 7D below illustrates a new "clipboard mode/configuration.

Apple’s third Magic Keyboard patent filing adds 20 new patent claims to better protect their invention from competitors and patent trolls. Apple’s patent claims now add information describing first and second “detectable elements” relating to the rotational elements that could support a new second-level iPad mode with a nonzero angle; Apple also notes that the Magic Keyboard could add “magnetic sensors; optical sensors; and wireless sensors.”

For more details, review Apple's patent application number 20220236765.