With PC hardware sales dropping and hardware innovation almost non-existent, Apple and the industry could decide it's time to shake things up beyond mere faster processors. The PC sector is preparing to make a big push in 2024 for hybrid tablet-notebooks that are basically large tablets that fold with an added magnet keyboard that sits on the lower end of the folded tablet. While Apple has patents for folding devices including at least two that are aimed for the hybrid tablet-notebook category, they also have a patent for a modular computing system.

Today the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that relates to a possible future modular computing system. Apple has been working on such a system since for at least 3-4 years while other teams are working on their hybrid devices.

Apple notes in their patent background that recent advances in computing devices have provided for the miniaturization or reduction in size of the components, such as computing components, used to power and drive the devices, such as processors, batteries, memory, and integrated circuits. As a result, computing devices having different form-factors have been adopted to provide efficient platforms for a particular use or in a particular environment.

For example, laptop and tablet computing devices are commonly used when mobility is desired, such as, reading news articles on a bus or a park bench. Alternatively, desktop computing devices are commonly desired when a user wants a larger display and/or a full-size keyboard. While computing devices have traditionally been constructed to fit the needs of a single particular use (e.g., sketching, virtual and artificial reality applications, reading social media, etc.), reconfigurable computing devices can be desirable to provide a higher quality user experience within a broad spectrum of uses and environments. 

Modularized  Computing and Input Devices

An example computing device can include a base or body defining an input surface and an internal volume. The computing device can include a plurality of sensors disposed within the internal volume. The computing device can include a hinge including a retaining portion and a pivot member. The retaining portion can include first and second walls defining a channel. The pivot member can rotatably attach to the base and can be positioned between the retaining portion and the base. The computing device can include a display removably attached to the hinge.

In some examples, the first wall can define a window, and a portion of the display can be visible by a user through the window. The computing device can further include a keyboard removably attached to the input surface. The keyboard can overlay at least a portion of the input surface.

The computing device can include a second display removably attached to the input surface. The second display can overlay at least a portion of the input surface. The base can include one or more magnets to align the keyboard or the second display on the input surface. The base can form a raised portion that acts as a datum to align the keyboard or the second display on the input surface. The plurality of sensors can additionally, or alternatively, be disposed within the raised portion and configured to detect capacitive touch at or near the input surface.

In some examples, the computing device can include a battery, a processor, and memory disposed within the internal volume. At least one of the plurality of sensors can be configured to detect a position and a motion of an extremity of a user in a region adjacent to the input surface and communicate with the processor in response to the detected motion or position.

The computing device can include a power supply disposed within the base. The power supply can include an inductive charging coil.

The computing device can include a projector to project a desired image onto the input surface or elsewhere.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hinge for an electronic device. The hinge can include a retaining portion having a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls can form at least a portion of a channel. The hinge can include a pivot member rotatably attached to the retaining portion.

Apple's patent FIG. 1A below shows a perspective view of components of a computing device; FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the computing device of FIG. 1A arranged in a configuration; FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the computing device of FIG. 1A arranged in another configuration.

Apple's patent FIG. 10A below shows a perspective view of a computing device with multiple displays; FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of the computing device with one kind of attachable keyboard; and FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of a computing device in a different assembled configuration with a separate fuller keyboard.

Apple's patent FIGS. 11B and 12A below are yet more configuration possibilities being explored.

To review the patent's full details including their 20 new patent claims, review patent application 20230315166. The 20 new patent claims are designed to protect specific aspects of their invention like the surface of the modular computer system possibly being a polymeric or rubberized material; a raised portion of the modular device comprising a projector configured to project images onto the input surface; and the input component comprising of a keyboard that is projected or etched on an input surface of the input component.

Apple also has another team working on the modular computing device. We covered a second patent on this invention back in 2022 that illustrates even more possible configurations being contemplated. 

Will 2024 be the year that Apple shake things up in the industry with new computer device form factors or will that stay the course with their focus on faster processors alone?

While it's true that Apple Vision Pro's Spatial Computing will provide users with the ability to amplify their Mac displays so as to be able to view large floating web browsers and apps  to provide a next-gen PC experience, the affordability factor will stop it from reaching the masses for years to come.

In the shorter term, a hybrid iPad-notebook styled device would be nice to have to compete with the wave of those devices coming from traditional Wintel partners in 2024. A modular system would provide even more options for users, though Apple would have to limit the options initially so as to not overwhelm their fans. If the concept is shown to be successful, then they could always add more options.

At the end of the day, would you be interested in new computing device form factors from Apple in the 2024-25 timeline? Send in your comments below or on our Twitter feed.