Apple files for patent for linking two iPads together

Apple has filed for a patent (number 20190182972) for a “system with multiple display” that would allow two iPads to be linked together. It involves a magnetic stand configured to rigidly hold a portion of the tablet device in place and to shield the magnetic field from adversely affecting nearby devices susceptible to strong magnetic fields. 

In the patent filing, Apple notes that tablet devices are used in an increasingly wide range of applications. In many of these applications a way for conveniently mounting the device is required. A number of manufacturers have tried to produce such a device. Apple says that, however since most tablets have no built in mounting mechanism, mounting devices “tend to be somewhat cumbersome and generally do not allow for easy removal.” The tech giant thinks it can do better. 

Apple has been granted a similar patent (number 10,037,054) for a “magnetic attachment unit” that also involves linking two iPads. There are sveral scenarios for using linked iPads. One involves a case when information provided to the first and or second electronic device is associated with a specific learning tutorial (such as math, languages, etc.), the information can cause one or both of the electronic devices to operate in a manner consistent with the tutorial, such as presenting lessons, work sheets, and so forth. 

For example, the first electronic device can present visual content consistent with the subject matter of the tutorial while the second electronic device can facilitate user interaction by presenting a user input such as a virtual keyboard, touch input, and so on. 

Of course, Apple files for — and is granted — lots of patents by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Many are for inventions that never see the light of day. However, you never can tell which ones will materialize in a real product.