There's a reason why so many third party iPad cases include a designated pouch or slot for the Apple Pencil. While it's nice that the stylus magnetically snaps to the side of the device for charging, it's hardly a super-snug connection – as anyone whose pulled an iPad from their bag with the Pencil missing will attest.
But if a new patent filing is anything to go by, it seems Apple is aware of the issue. The company has filed a design for an updated Magic Keyboard complete with new viewing angles for the iPad and, finally, a retainer for the Apple Pencil. (Don't fancy waiting? Check out the best Magic Keyboard deals available now.)
(Image credit: Apple/Future owns)
As spotted by Patently Apple, the filing depicts a new version of the Magic Keyboard which can house the Apple Pencil within the rounded 'hinge' of the accessory. This could be perfect for digital artists and creatives, ensuring that the Apple Pencil is no longer at risk of getting detached – or worse, lost.
The new Apple Pencil retainer in action (Image credit: Patently Apple)
Also great news for creatives could be the new viewing angles. Back when the Magic Keyboard was first released, artists discovered it could be used as a makeshift easel when turned upside-down – although this looks pretty daft with the keyboard section sticking in the air. No such issue with Apple's new 'clipboard mode', which folds the entire thing almost flat.
Clipboard mode (Image credit: Patently Apple)
And a new 'higher elevated position' could mean much higher viewing angles, perhaps useful for viewing while standing up. Need to glance at your iPad while giving a lecture? There might one day be a Magic Keyboard for that.
Higher elevated position (Image credit: Patently Apple)
As with all Apple patents, there's no telling whether this design will ever actually see the light of day. From a cheese grater iPhone design to a Mac/iPad hybrid, we've seen plenty of weird and wonderful concepts over the last few years. But if you want the best iPad experience available right here and now, check out today's best iPad Pro deals, and take a look at more great deals below.
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Daniel John is Design Editor at Creative Bloq. He reports on the worlds of design, branding and lifestyle tech, and has covered several industry events including Milan Design Week, OFFF Barcelona and Adobe Max in Los Angeles. He has interviewed leaders and designers at brands including Apple, Microsoft and Adobe. Daniel's debut book of short stories and poems was published in 2018, and his comedy newsletter is a Substack Bestseller.
