Users of an Apple computer sometimes ask themselves: when will the MacBook and iPad ever be combined? Now we know: Despite all the strong denials, Apple is at least thinking about it, as a staged patent confirms. It shows how Apple could integrate the iPad’s Pencil into the laptop.
A previously unknown Apple patent became public as early as August 2021. It shows a MacBook with the shelf for an Apple Pencil directly above the keyboard. So yes, Apple is secretly considering a MacBook with a touchscreen. However, we know that a patent was and is still just a thought and not a guarantee for a future product.
MacBook Pro gets the Apple Pencil from the iPad: Patent reveals the idea
Nevertheless, designer Sarang Sheth took the document as an opportunity to create a corresponding, realistic concept to create (Source: Yanko Design). The previous MacBook Pro with Touch Bar serves as the basis, i.e. not the current model with a 14 and 16 inch display. In this case, the OLED touchscreen bar has now been removed and should not return.
In concept puts the Apple Pencil in a cradle where the Touch Bar normally sits. It shrinks and is moved to the side. According to the Apple patent, the Apple Pencil somehow also takes over the task of the function keys when it is lying down, i.e. the corresponding areas on the surface of the pen should be touch-enabled. Of course, an Apple Pencil only makes sense with a touchscreen. There is such a thing in the design and you can draw and scribble on it to your heart’s content.
Rather hopeless: That’s why this Apple notebook will probably not exist
Unfortunately, the chances of the concept shown here being implemented are rather slim. So why can’t this Apple laptop exist? The manufacturer already gave the answer in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Apple currently wants a clear distinction between the product categories, according to which only the iPad will have a touchscreen along with the Apple Pencil, while the Mac would have been optimized for indirect input. Apple sees no reason to change this.
Even with the current MacBook Pro – here in the video – if you look for the touchscreen and Apple Pencil in vain:
That’s the official statement. The patent office, in turn, proves that the manufacturer at least lets his imagination run wild. This is not just a guarantee of implementation, but rather a little “finger exercise” for the designers and engineers. In short: Such a MacBook with an Apple Pencil cannot exist for product policy reasons, not because Apple couldn’t. You just don’t want to.