Apple is consistently enhancing the design of its Apple Pencil, but it can be susceptible to being misplaced. That is why the release of this new iPad design patent is incredibly logical.
At only 5.1mm, Apple’s latest iPad Pro is remarkably slim. According to the company, these iPads are its thinnest devices to date; we concur that there is minimal room for further reduction.
According to a new patent discovered by David Kowalski (via thenerdstash), it appears that Apple is exploring methods to conceal the Apple Pencil within the iPad’s body.
Apple iPad with a retractable tray for Apple PencilMore info – https://t.co/yxEQbrVFA3 (based on the patent) Thanks to my new partnerFollow for more content!#Apple #iPad #iOS18 pic.twitter.com/BM30DjruGJ
— xleaks7 (David Kowalski) (@xleaks7) June 12, 2024
The patent document reveals a retractable tray-like design for the iPad, which will serve as a storage and charging space for the stylus. This will result in a slightly thicker iPad, particularly on its sides, when the Pencil is being stored.
The patent states that the same mechanism can transition to a lower profile without holding onto the stylus (such as when the stylus is being used as an input device for the host device).
This innovative spring-loaded mechanism allows for convenient transportation of the Apple Pencil and iPad, eliminating the worry of misplacement or leaving it behind at a cafe. Additionally, the protective housing effectively safeguards the Pencil from potential damage such as scratches and smudges.
The patent further states that the stylus will remain secured and able to charge the Pencil when properly aligned, thanks to the use of multiple arrays of magnets within the retractable tray.
In the past, there have been attempts by brands to incorporate retractable parts into their gadgets. Several Android phones have featured a retractable selfie camera, providing a notch-free display on the front. However, this trial was short-lived as the inclusion of movable components in a portable device compromised its longevity and led to higher costs.
Despite this, as the patent is still in its early stages, it is uncertain if Apple will actually incorporate this intricate mechanism to accommodate the Apple Pencil.
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