Accessory that turns iPhone into a laptop

Apple patent application details an “Electronic accessory device.” U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Apple Insider has discovered a patent filing that covers laptops that include docks for an iPhone or iPad. In one example an iPhone can be docked into the trackpad section of the laptop, providing the processor, graphics card, memory, and storage for the entire device. The iPhone would then be used as the trackpad. Apple’s patent for the iPad would see the tablet docking into the display portion, with a trackpad supplied on the laptop instead. Apple’s patent was first filed in September, but like many patents it doesn’t mean Apple will ever bring this type of product to the market.

⇨ Apple Insider, “Apple investigating accessory that turns iPhone, iPad into full-fledged touchscreen laptop.”

⇨ The Verge, “Apple imagines turning an iPhone or iPad into a touchscreen MacBook.”