Subj : Apples modular MacBook patent reveals more ideas for rumored Surf
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Fri Oct 06 2023 12:45:04

Apples modular MacBook patent reveals more ideas for rumored Surface Go rival

Date:
Fri, 06 Oct 2023 11:42:08 +0000

Description:
Apple may be working on a modular laptop that could take on Microsofts 
Surface Go 2-in-1.

FULL STORY
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Take a look at any of the best MacBooks and youll see a pretty standard 
laptop form factor. Well, that could soon change, as a new patent has emerged 
that shows Apple experimenting with some pretty wild ideas for its future 
portable computers. 

The patent outlines a bunch of ideas that Apple has had for a modular laptop, 
with all kinds of unusual configurations apparently under consideration. It 
could one day lead to Apple entering the fray with a proper 2-in-1 laptop and 
competing more directly with Microsofts Surface Go . Image 1 of 2 (Image 
credit: USPTO / Apple) Image 2 of 2 (Image credit: USPTO / Apple) 

So, what exactly is Apple apparently working on? According to the patent 
(number 20230315166 ), Apple is tinkering with a system where various 
sections could be added to or removed from a MacBook. Weve seen that sort of 
thing in 2-in-1 devices before  you connect a keyboard to a display to make a 
laptop, or separate them to get a tablet  but Apples ideas go much further. 

For instance, the company explains that future MacBooks could magnetically 
connect two displays to each other like some kind of giant foldable 
smartphone. Or you could attach a second display to the bottom edge of a 
MacBooks keyboard, perhaps giving you a drawing space for an Apple Pencil . 
Entering the 2-in-1 market? (Image credit: Future) 

A previous patent has shown Apple experimenting with some pretty interesting 
ideas on a similar theme, including one that would even let you attach a 
record player to a display. 

This modular concept is very unlike Apples normal approach, which is 
decidedly less experimental when it comes to form factors. But if it means 
Apple is thinking about bringing out a convertible 2-in-1 device to compete 
with the Surface Go and other similar products, that could be great news for 
Apple fans. 

Its not the first time weve seen Apple detail its progress on a modular 
MacBook. Back in July 2023, that similar patent emerged that also detailed 
the bizarre record-player-laptop hybrid. The steady stream of patents is not 
too surprising, as Apple often iterates on its ideas in subsequent patents as 
it continues to test and refine its thinking. 

Its also a reminder that it could be a while until we see this laptop come to 
fruition  if we ever do. Apple might release more patents down the line with 
further improvements to the concept, or it might just remain that forever  a 
concept. Theres no guarantee Apple will ever launch a modular laptop, but if 
it does, it could shake up the tech industry in the way Apple products have 
been doing for years. You might also like The MacBook Air M2 is so good it's 
given Apple a problem Microsoft Surface Go 4: everything we know so far about 
the new 2-in-1 Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (2023) review: size isn't everything



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/computing/macbooks/apples-modular-macbook-patent-rev
eals-more-ideas-for-rumored-surface-go-rival


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