Apple is exploring for its next big thing.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a patent application by Apple for an "electronic accessory device." This is a laptop-like gadget with a recess where an iPhone can be placed to power the device. While the concept is not an entirely new idea, it is clear that Apple is exploring ideas to expand its products' reach in terms of portability and mobile capability.
Apple recently launched the new 9.7-inch iPad. Its rumored next flagship iPhone 8 is due to release on September this year.
An iPhone-powered Portable Device
Apple filed the application in September 2015, as published by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The date suggests that Apple has been exploring concepts to expand the use of its mobile devices.
The "electronic accessory device" is a traditional-looking laptop with an aluminum enclosure, very much like a Macbook. The device has a display, a keyboard, a battery, a GPU, a CPU, and ports.
As shown in the concept diagrams, the accessory takes many forms. The interesting thing in this accessory is the recess in the middle area where the trackpad is. An iPhone - or "host device" - drops into the recess. Then this iPhone will power the device; the iPhone itself can serve as the actual trackpad. It should be noted that the iPhone's 5.5-inch display is almost the same size as the MacBook's trackpad. This slot might also accommodate a communications interface or a Lightning Connector to transfer power.
Alternatively, as outlined in the patent, the host device can transfer data to the device via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless technology. The accessory's onboard memory can extend the host device's capabilities. This accessory device can be used to run iOS apps like an iPad albeit with the power of a MacBook. Or it can have its own secondary operating system to perform like a laptop.
The accessory's monitor will naturally expand the display capabilities of the host device (like bigger viewing experience, for example). Since this accessory is powered by iOS, the display is touch-capable.
Apple Bridging A New Niche?
The specific details are vague, but if anything, this patent concept is proof that Apple is considering to bridge the divide between mobile devices and portable computing. The proliferation of 2-in-1 ultraportables - laptops with touch screen displays that can function as tablets - such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 or the Dell XPS 13 could be the driving concept behind this Apple hybrid concept.
The company has long touted the iPad as a computer replacement, but that ideal has not come into fruition yet. As the tech wars continue every day, every company must explore creative ways of addressing certain niches such as mobile computing. Or create an entirely new niche, as what Apple has done when it revolutionized personal communications with the iPhone.
