Today the U.S. Patent Office published a patent application of Apple's that relates to a possible new modularized form factor being considered. Depending on how you view it, it could be a modularized MacBook or a pro-centric iPad modular design that offers removably attached components. Apple notes that "With traditional computing devices, users may need to rely on multiple distinct computing devices to sufficiently meet their varied needs. it can be desirable to be able to reconfigure these devices to operate effectively in a broad spectrum of applications in various environments.'

Modularized Computing And Input Devices

Apple's patent relates a computing device that can include a base and a hinge operably coupled to the base. The hinge can be rotatably attached to the base and can be configured to receive and retain a component or an electronic device (e.g., a display) to the base. The base can define an input surface in communication with one or more sensors to detect touch, or near touch, input at the input surface. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more sensors can detect movement of an object above the input surface, such as a gesture from the hand of a user of the computing device.

In some examples, one or more devices or components can be placed adjacent to the input surface, such as a keyboard positioned on the input surface. In some examples, the keyboard can have electronics or mechanisms for receiving input from a user and can communicate that input to the base.

In other examples, the keyboard can include a mat having indicia which mark the boundaries of keys, but does not include any electronics or mechanisms to provide input to the input surface of the base. Instead, the one or more sensors within the base can detect input through or at the mat such that the keyboard can function as a guide or pattern for a user outlining boundaries for user input associated with specific keys of the keyboard.

In some examples, one or more other input devices can be positioned at the input surface of the base, such as, one or more displays, knobs, switches, buttons, turntables, or other input devices.

In some examples, the computing device can include a coupling mechanism configured to interconnect multiple electronic devices or components. The coupling mechanism can include first and second retaining portions rotatably attached to an intermediate portion. Each of the retaining portions can receive an electronic device within a channel defined by one or more walls.

The computing devices can also include a variety of designs and configurations to accommodate various uses. Such computing devices can be modular and can include multiple displays, multiple input devices, or combinations thereof that can be selectively coupled to a base, a hinge, or a coupling mechanism, as desired. This arrangement can provide for a variety of different and novel configurations for utilizing the computing devices.

In Apple's patent FIG. 1A below, we see an example of a computing device #100 including a base #102, a first display #104, a second display #106, and a keyboard #108. One or more of the first display, the second display and the keyboard can be combined in various configurations with the base, for example, by removably coupling therewith. In FIG. 1B we see a traditional-like MacBook whereas in FIG. 1C we see a dual display MacBook configuration.

Apple's patent FIG. 10A below illustrates a MacBook configured with 3 displays. The second display could be used to display secondary content such as a webpage, email etc., while the third display could provide a virtual keyboard or input area for Apple Pencil.

Apple's patent FIG. 10b above is configured to have a physical keyboard and a secondary display for input for Apple Pencil, trackpad functionality, gesture input; FIG. 11A illustrates a dual display notebook with an attachable keyboard accessory.

Apple's patent FIG. 11B below illustrates how the dual display can be set up like a dual display desktop computing device; In FIG. 12A, a larger display could be attached to the base of a MacBook via magnets within the display.

For full details, review Apple's patent application 20250068216. In Apple's patent update they focus on the hinge for this modular computer; a retention magnet; capacitive touch sensors; sensor that detect a position and a motion of an extremity of a user in a region adjacent to the input surface and more.

The good news is that a new form factor is on the drawing board. Whether it's a modular design like today's patent illustrates or a large foldable iPad with a custom keyboard accessory is unknown at this time.

Some of Apple's Inventors

• Paul Wang: Senior Manager, Product Design
• Keith Hendren: Product Designer
• Adam Garelli: Senior Product Architect