The Cupertins have been selling the branded iPad case for years. However, one of the company’s latest patents hints that Apple is considering different options that could help improve the functionality of the accessory, making it more versatile.
As it became known the other day, the Coopertinos have applied for a patent describing the updated Smart Keyboard Folio. The main distinguishing feature of the patented accessory is that it is two-way – on one plane of the case is already a familiar physical keyboard, and on the other is a touchpad with keys.
This approach will allow users to choose the “right side” depending on current tasks. However, it is not very clear how convenient such an accessory will be when used daily. The preferred option is when both the keyboard and touchpad are on one side. However, in this case, the Coopertinoovs would have to either significantly reduce the keyboard unit (which is inconvenient) or increase the size of the case itself (which is also not a good solution).
As usual, there is no specific information on the implementation dates described in the patent of the idea. It is very likely that the Coopertinos will not mass-produce a two-way version of Smart Keyboard Folio. However, the presence of such patents once again confirms the fact that Apple sees the iPad Pro as a replacement for compact laptops.
