A patent filed by Apple way back in 2012 was granted on Tuesday, which reveals the company has been toying with a few exciting ideas for the Smart Connector on both iPad Pro models.
We first saw this patent on Patently Apple.
Right now, the only thing that connects to the iPad Pro's Smart Connector is the Smart Keyboard cover. The Smart Keyboard magnetically snaps to the iPad Pro's Smart Connector so you can type and be more productive, but the keyboard can also draw power from the iPad Pro so it doesn't need to be charged.
While a keyboard is a good use for the Smart Connector, it isn't particularly exciting or innovative. However, the recently-granted Apple patent shows a keyboard could be the first of several ideas Apple had in mind for its Smart Connector tech.
One of the patents described a Smart Cover that would act as a flexible second screen "configured to present visual information," according to Patently Apple.
For a secondary display, Apple mentions the use of AMOLED displays, which can display basic information like notifications without using up much battery at all. AMOLED displays are also used by Android smartphone makers like Samsung, so an AMOLED Smart Cover could potentially act like a high-resolution secondary display with full brightness and full color.
Another item on the patent describes a Smart Cover that can act as a touch-sensitive surface for the Apple Pencil. You could potentially draw on the secondary touch display while using a pro design app on the primary display. Graphic designers use a similar setup with specialized styli and touchpads to draw in design apps running on computers.
New Smart Covers could also be as simple as an external battery for the iPad Pro. There's even mention of adding solar panels to a Smart Cover so it could recharge itself, as well as the iPad. They could also add wireless charging capabilities to the iPad Pro.
Clues for the iPhone other mobile devices?
One of the most confusing rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 7 is that Apple will give it a Smart Connector. It would make little sense to connect a Smart Keyboard to the iPhone 7, as even the large Plus model's 5.5-inch screen makes it too small for any real productivity.
Yet, Apple clearly has a few tricks up its sleeves with regards to the Smart Connector, and we wouldn't be surprised if some of these tricks end up in future versions of the iPhone. But, again, that's pure speculation.
Keep in mind that, like many Apple patents before them, these patents may never materialize into a product you can buy at the Apple Store. But they do give us some insight as to the ideas Apple is tinkering with.
