Today the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that advances their modular computer concept using an iPad. Modular computer systems have been a new theme for Apple's engineering team. Last February, Patently Apple covered a patent that described a possible future modular MacBook concept quite extensively.  

Apple's invention covers an iPad modular expansion hub including a stand for attaching accessories. Apple envisions this type of hub becoming a mini desktop for consumers, retailers, hospitals and other applications.

Accessory devices can be modularly attached and detached from the case and, simultaneously, attached and detached from electrical communication with electrical connectors extending through the case so that power and information can be exchanged between the accessory device and electronic device positioned in the case.

Accessory devices can include devices such as credit card readers, light sensors, antennas, laser scanners, oxygen sensors, air sensors, printers, keypads, barcode scanners, magnetic strip readers, related devices, and combinations thereof. 

Modular systems can take on a wide array of different configurations based on which modules are connected to the system at a given time. For example, the system can include an electronic device, a case, an accessory hub or device adapter, a stand, and one or more accessory devices.

At one point Apple states that in some embodiments, the cover of the iPad system could include a material that is water-resistant, caustic-chemical-resistant, or anti-bacterial to provide additional durability and protection for the iPad. In some cases, the cover could include a material that is easily cleanable. These features can be especially beneficial in hospitals and other health-related and dirty settings.

Apple's patent FIG. 1 below shows an exploded perspective view of a modular electronic device system; FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of electronic components of the modular electronic device system of FIG. 1.

Below are a few Technical Points that Apple emphasized in their patent claims regarding the computing device being a tablet / iPad is as follows:

A modular electronic device system, comprising: a cover sized and shaped to receive at least a rear surface of a tablet computing device, the cover comprising a rear surface, a lateral surface, and an opening defined in the rear surface and in the lateral surface; a hub positioned in the cover, the hub including a first electrical connector connectable to a device input port of the tablet computing device and a second electrical connector exposed through the opening of the cover, wherein the second electrical connector is connectable to an accessory device.

The modular electronic device system further comprises the tablet computing device positioned at least partially within the cover, wherein a display or touchscreen interface of the tablet computing device is positioned opposite of the rear surface for at least one of access or viewing.

The modular electronic device system further comprises the accessory device electrically connected to the hub via contact with the second electrical connector, wherein the tablet computing device is configured to provide power to the accessory device via the first and second electrical connectors.

The modular electronic device includes a hub that comprises of a third electrical connector exposed through an opening defined in a center portion of a rear side of the cover.

A modular electronic device system, comprising: a cover sized and shaped to receive a rear surface of a tablet computing device, the cover comprising: a panel to abut the rear surface of the tablet; and sidewalls defining an open portion through which a display or touchscreen interface of the tablet computing device is at least accessible or viewable; a hub positioned in the cover, the hub including a first electrical connector connectable to a device input port of the tablet computing device and a second electrical connector exposed through an opening defined in a center portion of a rear side of the cover, wherein the second electrical connector is connectable to a support base.

The modular electronic device system further comprises the tablet computing device positioned at least partially within the cover; and the support base connected to the hub via the second electrical connector, wherein the support base suspends both the tablet computing device and the cover above a support surface.

The modular electronic device system further support a base that comprises of a pivotably portion for changing a position of the tablet computing device and the cover from a first orientation to a second orientation that differs from the first orientation.

The modular electronic device system also includes a second electrical connector comprises a blind mating connector.

For more details and review of the 12 new patent claims, review Apple's patent application number US 20230094710 A1. The modular iPad hub system could greatly expand Apple's market reach in the future.

Apple Inventors

• Mohammadali Parsian:  Sr. Lead Product Designer.
• Gerson Goldberg: Accessories - Mechanical Engineering Manager
• Nicolas Huynh: Hardware Engineer

• Mohammadali Parsian:  Sr. Lead Product Designer.
• Gerson Goldberg: Accessories - Mechanical Engineering Manager
• Nicolas Huynh: Hardware Engineer