Apple patent describes iPad keyboard accessory that triggers macOS-like UI

There have been many rumors about Apple’s upcoming MacBook/iPad hybrid. The US Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple a new patent today. This raises suspicion. According to Patently Apple, this new patent involves a hinged iPad keyboard accessory with an iPad using a macOS-like interface.

This keyboard would provide more flexibility for users with multiple installation modes. This keyboard can also be used to attach an iPad with macOS-like interface magnetically.

The patent also suggests the keyboard’s hinge may magnetically support the Apple Pencil. The patent suggests that the hinge could support other accessories such as a projector or camera. It’s possible the iPad’s form factor will also be updated with this accessory.

Noted in the patent, the accessory has both a base portion and a coupling mechanism; the base portion could include a keyboard with a set of electromechanical keys. The coupling mechanism could be on the side of the keyboard or on the base portion of the iPad.

It seems that Apple may be considering creating a MacBook/iPad hybrid. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has recently expressed his opinion on Apple’s iPadOS Pro concept that includes multiple Mac-like options. While most people don’t use their iPad as a Mac, some power users disagree.

The iPadOS experience is lacking in many ways, so it would be great to see MacOS on the iPad. With iPadOS 16 expected to arrive this year, there is quite a long wish list of items we at 9to5Mac hope to see unveiled soon.

Do you think we will ever see a MacBook/iPad hybrid?

Only time will tell if this patent comes to fruition. More Macs will be announced at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which takes place in June.