New iPad leak reveals radical dual-screen design

(Image credit: Future)

While a foldable iPhone in the form of the iPhone Flip, may be in the works, Apple'south next folding device could exist a multi-tablet hybrid iPad.

That'southward going by the "Modular multiple brandish electronic devices" patent Apple tree filed with the U.S. Patent Office, which shows how two tablets could be connected together to form a single foldable device using a slick hinge mechanism.

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The device in the patent looks like an Apple take on the Microsoft Surface Neo, in which two tablet-like displays are continued together by a hinge to form 1 large display with a notable just not a vast seam in betwixt. Much like the Surface Neo, the concept here looks to provide more screen space for productivity tasks when on an iPad, perhaps. The blueprint looks like it tin transform into a laptop, with i display acting as a virtual keyboard.

Apple dual-screen iPad patent — (Image credit: USPTO)

But whereas the Surface Neo is 1 device, this Apple patent suggests that a hinge accessory could be used to join two iPads, assuasive for a modular dual-screen device that could exist upgraded over time; say, using the latest iPad Pro as the main display, and and then an older iPad for the secondary display or virtual keyboard deck.

According to the patent, the hinge would let for data to be transferred between the two tablets. This could let the sharing of hardware resources and evangelize a more powerful overall device.

"In a coupled configuration where the first and 2d electronic devices are mechanically coupled by the coupling element, the offset computing resources are available for use past the second electronic device via the communication path such that the first display is operable as a chief brandish capable of presenting visual content in accordance with the offset and 2d computing resources, and the 2d display is operable as a secondary brandish that is capable of providing data for performance of the coupled configuration," the patent explained.

With the Magic Keyboard accessory, the iPad Pro 2020 has shown how Apple tablets can become proper productivity machines, although not quite enough to supercede a laptop. But it as well heralds a future where the flexibility of an iPad and its potential functions will proceed expanding.

Roland Moore-Colyer is U.K. Editor at Tom's Guide with a focus on news, features and stance articles. He oftentimes writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other $.25 of hardware; he'south also got an interest in cars. When non at his desk Roland can be plant wandering around London, oft with a look of marvel on his face up.