Apple Shows Possible Interest in MagSafe for iPad

[Michael Essany]

There's much talk in response to the latest published patent application from our friends at Patently Apple, which reveals that the next generation iPad may come with the MagSafe power connector built in. While the MagSafe could also be used for future iPhones and iPods as well, it's much more practical for Apple to restrict their use of the feature with the iPad because of the device's computer-like nature.

Based on the information gathered from Apple's patent, "the connector 62 may be a power connector such as the MagSafe power connector manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The MagSafe power connector utilizes a magnetic attraction to help retain a corresponding connector thereto." According to the patent, the MagSafe would work across various iDevice product lines.

Of course, skeptics would argue the most logical point first - if Apple introduced this patent in 2007, why wouldn't there already be a MagSafe power connector built into the first generation iPad, which was released in early 2010? That's a good question that only the people at Apple can answer. But it should be pointed out that Apple "put the pedal to the metal" on a continuation patent filing - something that was only undertaken this past summer.

Still, regardless of the tech giant's decision to pass on the MagSafe for the first iPad, it could very well be that Apple is taking a wait and see approach with regard to iPad usage among consumers to see if battery life proves such an issue that the addition of MagSafe would serve as a valuable selling tool for subsequent generations of iPads.

Patently Apple

[stlcaddie]

What's the advantages with this kind of connector? Time to research cause I've never heard of it.

[csworrell]

What's the advantages with this kind of connector? Time to research cause I've never heard of it.

Haha someone has been living in a whole. haha

[wolverinemarky]

i assume this is what powers or charges mac laptops so this would mean we wouldnt need to connect our phones or ipads to something internally in those idevices that could get damaged and need to be replaced(if i'm reading this right)

[sharpjunkie76]

What's the advantages with this kind of connector? Time to research cause I've never heard of it.

Ever got up from the couch or had a kid or dog kick your power cable while it was connected to a laptop then watch as the laptop goes flying across the room? Well the MagSafe is magnetic so bot possible. Any major pull and it will come right out. Also being magnetic it's impossible to actually break the port physically since nothing pops in an out like an hdmi. Greatest patent since sliced bread. Go to an apple store and check out the MacBooks and you will understand. Or YouTube MagSafe.

[LSZ33]

I think it'd be a great idea only if they added it along with the 30 pin connector so that we'd have a choice. I know some people will say that it would be serving the same purpose but I'd rather use MagSafe in a home environment instead of docking it or having that cable sticking out of the bottom.

[zozodouce]

i hope that they didn't stole that from some compay and have pay for it later lol.

[iLaw-One]

i hope that they didn't stole that from some compay and have pay for it later lol.

Don't be silly...apple has had this on their MacBook line for quite a while. If they stole the idea, someone would have sued by now.

Besides, it only makes sense if they introduced this to their other products.

[hitman10]

Megsafe + 30pin connector + iPad = amazing

[zozodouce]

Don't be silly...apple has had this on their MacBook line for quite a while. If they stole the idea, someone would have sued by now.

Besides, it only makes sense if they introduced this to their other products.

man you know so much,you work for them?

[zmanforever]

Meh employee zombie move up on the Apple ladder peoples I don't like them they tell lies to make commission.

[Rob2G]

This should of been on the idevices on day 1.

[tudtran]

I wanna see apple create MagSafe USB for all of their idevices.

[EskimoRuler]

I think MagSafe would be great. But now you need a different cable

[vruls]

YAY magsafe is awesome, they should really get that on all their iDevices

[zoso10]

Oooo that would be very nice. I actually hope this rumor is true.

[Dayvidpriddy]

"Computer-like nature?" Still laughing here at work when I read that LMAO...

[Antman217]

MagSafe would be way better but they cost way more than a 30 pin connector

[leathelisor]

What's the advantages with this kind of connector? Time to research cause I've never heard of it.

Research = scan top 15 results on google search and/or wikipedia.

I loce how easy research has become.

[stlcaddie]

Haha someone has been living in a whole. haha

SUCK IT, and spell HOLE right. LOL

My bad, I thought Apple was coming out with a Safe. LOL, C'mon people I ain't that stupid. " no comments please ".