Apple patent points to a modular MacBook future – and a turntable
Patent applications often give us an interesting picture of what a company is up to, and a new Apple MacBook has just come to light: It shows off a computing device to which various elements (such as a keyboard) can be magnetically attached.
The patent (through Gizmodo) describes the device, which can be “reconfigurable to accommodate one or more electrical devices in different configurations” – and displays and keyboards are specifically mentioned and shown in the accompanying diagrams.
It reminds us of the Framework DIY laptop in terms of modular laptops, although Apple’s plans look substantially different. The patent was first filed a few years ago, but was only approved earlier this week.
As always with patents, this isn’t a guarantee that a modular MacBook will ever appear – it just shows that Apple’s engineers are thinking about ways to innovate with the design and functionality of their laptops.
Vinyl vibrations
If AppleInsider notes that Microsoft filed a similar set of patents before launching the Surface line of products. It’s possible that Apple is thinking of blurring the line between laptops and tablets even further.
While there are currently no 2-in-1 MacBooks, the steady evolution of iPadOS has meant that it’s now more of a desktop operating system than ever. We may soon see something like Apple’s Surface Pro 9.
Interestingly, one of the diagrams accompanying the patent shows a record player for a display, as one of the possible attachments. Music producers or DJs could use the setup, complete with a touchscreen display, Apple suggests.
Whether Apple will release an LP player of its own remains to be seen, but it shows the versatility of the proposed system. For now, keep an eye on this space: any device like this is probably several years away.