News on May 4, even though Apple has released its unique Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, there are messages and patents that show that Apple is still working on a traditional keyboard arrangement that is more like Microsoft's Surface.
In fact, the iPad Pro's magic keyboard will only be launched in 2020, but after its release, Apple continues to work on this Surface-like alternative.
A hinged keyboard accessory with multiple mounting modes for tablet computing devices, a newly exposed Apple patent, was filed in July 2020. Although the filing date was much later than the development of the Magic Control keyboard, the patent cites more than 40 applications, dating back to 1993.
Each of these tends to cover all aspects of a tablet keyboard solution, such as slide caps or hinges. This latest patent describes the entire device, from the keyboard to how it is separated if necessary.
The patent states: "This is an accessory device for tablet computing devices, which may include a basic portion having one or more input devices (e.g., keyboard, trackpad, touch screen display, etc.) for providing input to a tablet computing device." Accessory device may include a connection mechanism for the base portion of the accessory device may be released to the tablet computing device in a variety of different mounting modes, the attachment mechanism may include a secondary display for providing graphical output along the surface of the connection mechanism. ”
Another paragraph states: "Alternatively or alternatively, the connection mechanism may include a pen holder for placing a stylus. ”
The similarity between the concepts depicted in the figure and the Surface is most pronounced. But patent drawings were never intended to be illustrations of the final product, but only as an aid in interpreting the patent requirements. Drawings show a system, comprising a tablet computing device and an accessory device, which can be released together in a variety of mounting modes, the base portion may include a keyboard having a set of electromechanical keys, the connection mechanism may be set along one side of the keyboard, and may be configured to rotate the base portion to a tablet computing device having a touch screen display.
Some drawings have the unmistakable Apple logo instead of the Microsoft Surface. Example sketches of the tablet's graphical interface both clearly show macOS, not iPadOS, nor iOS. This is enough to prove that these patent diagrams come from Apple. In addition, some of these patent diagrams also show an example of a Mac display that changes when part of the touchscreen display is covered by the main part of the joining mechanism of the accessory device.
The changes shown in the figure are similar to the bangs in the recent MacBook Pro series. The Mac's menu bar is lowered, the battery indicator and The AirPlay/WiFi icon are raised into the corner, and the gap in the middle is filled by this coupling mechanism.
Showing macOS in the iPad's graph is odd, but it doesn't by itself prove for sure that Apple is also considering copying the Surface, putting the Mac into a tablet.
However, this is not a one-time, accidental error in which the patent drawing author makes a mistake in the clipart. Drawings on the display changes due to the connection mechanism show a fairly careful change of work. For example, one diagram shows that the mechanism also holds an Apple Pencil clip on a recessed bracket. The other shows the pencil taken out of the pen holder, revealing a row of tool icons.
The patent is attributed to four inventors, including paul X. Wang, a frequent contributor. Many of the patents he has previously filed for Apple include a projection keyboard that can be used with apple Glass.
As we all know, Apple has been trying to create a concept through the iPad series of categories, that is, light office and partial productivity is completely enough to be done on the iPadOS platform, and does not require a Mac or PC.
The reality is that such as text writing, graphic design and other work scenarios, the software on iPadOS can indeed complete the requirements at present.
Of course, many people have imagined that the iPad can be equipped with a macOS system, which is not very realistic at present, but it is best to imagine that a few years later, the emergence of Apple's MR devices, and more powerful M-series processors are installed on high-end devices such as iPad Pro, a new ecology may be around iPadOS.