The transformation in technology and the similarity of some components used by Apple for manufacturing iPads and MacBooks have been fuelling research on technology to bridge the gap between an iPad and a MacBook.

As per Patently Apple, a new patent that has been granted to the Cupertino-based company shows a hinged keyboard design that could essentially provide the feel of a keyboard and will provide the support that will effectively allow an iPad to function as a MacBook Pro.

The new keyboard design will go beyond just attaching a keyboard to an iPad and this could be an exciting product if it launches.

Apple had previously dismissed the idea of convergence of an iPad to a Mac, with the emergence of new technologies in combination with the patent could have put the possibility in a fresh perspective.

The patent is a fascinating glimpse into a possible future direction for Apple. The patent describes a base system with an electromechanical keyboard and a hinged coupler that can be attached to the iPad in multiple modes including laptop and reverse display mode.

In the base position, multiple input devices could be attached to the iPad. These include a new keyboard, trackpad, and a touchscreen display. These are the input options available for the tablet computing device.

Magnetic connection and wireless charging Apple pencil. The configuration also provides for a second display.

The opportunities with the new Apple patent are endless but whether it will eventually see the light of day is a whole another topic. It will be interesting to see how this product evolves if Apple is in fact involved in developing it.

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