A one-time Apple patent filed in Germany was published in the U.S. today covering Rotatable MacBook Lids with Backside Cameras & more
An Apple patent that was first discovered being filed in Germany back in 2022 has now been published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent reveals that Apple is considering the addition of a secondary camera on the back lid of the MacBook Pro while introducing a magnetically attachable mini camera accessory for their lower end MacBook Air. The patent also reveals other possible future features.
The original patent filed in Germany was first to reveal the camera notch for MacBooks which is now in-part a patent fulfilled.
Apple's patent FIG. 1 below illustrates a MacBook with a Face Camera (further in FIG. 4A below, it's a Notch Camera); FIG. 2C illustrates that a MacBook may include a second camera on the back lid.
In Apple's patent 3B below, the second camera is integrated into the backside lid of the MacBook; in FIG. 3C and 10A Apple illustrates an attachable camera accessory via a magnetic system; FIG. 5 illustrates a "Pro" camera, similar to one used on the iPhone Pro/Max.
Apple further notes that the optical component (Camera #712) may include any number and/or type of sensors in addition to the cameras. Accordingly, the second camera #723 may include a sensor module, such as an infrared camera, a time-of-flight camera, a light detection and ranging module (LiDAR module), a facial recognition sensor or sensors, an object detection sensor or sensors, or any other sensor or sensors as desired.
Apple's patent FIGS. 8A-C below illustrates how Apple engineers envision strengthening the MacBook's back lid to accommodate either a second integrated camera or the weight of a camera accessory mounted on the back lid.
As an example, shown in patent FIG. 8D above, component #1230 disposed in display portion volume #1209 may be a structural component that will provide structural support and/or stiffness to the display portion. The structural component may include any type or form of structural material as desired, and may include polymeric material, metallic material, ceramic material, and/or combinations or composite materials thereof.
Further, the structural component #1230 May include a structure grid having a repeating shape. In some examples, the structural component May include a honeycomb grid. In some examples, the structural component may include a metallic grid that may be filled with relatively light weight material, such as a relatively light polymer material.
Apple's patent FIG. 4A above reveals Apple's MacBook camera notch, making this part of the patent, a patent fulfilled.
Other Patent Points of Interest
"The device #400 [MacBook] may also include a base portion #404 that may be rotatably or otherwise movably or removably attached to each other by a connection component #403." This would be a nice feature that would compete with Wintel 2-in-1 laptops.
Elsewhere Apple notes: "in some examples, the display portion #102 may move in any manner desired with respect to the base portion #104. For example, the display portion may slide laterally relative to the base portion #104 and/or rotated relative to the base."
To review the full details of this invention, check out patent application 20240340511.
With future MacBooks possibly having back lid cameras, built-in or attached with magnets, Apple could add a new security layer to MacBooks. Requiring Face ID to open the MacBook lid to start working could be a very novel and first-to-market feature. Now that I've said it, which company will actually bring this to market first?