Today the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a patent application from Apple that relates to two new features that may be coming to future iPads primarily, though the features could also apply to future  MacBooks, iMacs (desktops) or headsets.  

The first feature is a new notification system for an improved user experience. In some examples, the method for presenting the notification may enable the user to be aware of the notification and to access the notification when desired with minimal disruption to the user of the electronic device.

In some examples, the user may be informed of a notification through an indication of the notification. In some examples, the indication of the notification may be presented using one or more lighting devices of the electronic device.

In some examples, the indication of the notification may be presented via a display of the electronic device in an extended reality environment.

The second feature is hand tracking that may be coming to a future iPad. We've all scene how Apple perfected this feature for Vision Pro and now it could be coming to an iPad. Apple's patent FIG. 2 above illustrates a block diagram of an example architecture of a future iPad. Apple presents in patent FIG. 2, hand tracking sensor(s) #202.

in some examples. Hand tracking sensor(s) #202 are configured to track the position/location of one or more portions of the user's hands, and/or motions of one or more portions of the user's hands. 

Eye tracking sensor(s) #212 are configured to track the position and movement of a user's gaze (eyes, face, or head, more generally) with respect to the real-world or extended reality environment if applied to a headset.

In some examples, the hand tracking sensor(s) can use image sensor(s) ., (one or more IR cameras, 3D cameras, depth cameras, etc.) that capture three-dimensional information from the real-world including one or more user hands.  

To review the full details of this invention, check out patent application 20240211102.