Company Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), describes in a new patent, published today, a method by which the Smart Connector will be much more useful than until now by allowing the interconnection of several electronic devices to the same iDevice.
Apple implemented the Smart Connector for the first time in the iPad Pro 12.9 inch, it is also offered in the iPad Pro 9.7 inch starting this year, and Apple wants to further develop it to offer iDevice owners even more functionality than before at present.
According to those from Apple, the idea is based on the creation of a Hub with ports for the Smart Connector, multiple devices being able to connect through them to the main iDevice, something that is currently impossible to achieve in the current configuration.
All the connectors could be placed on top of each other using magnets and a system similar to that used for Magsafe technology, Apple saying that this technology could allow the simultaneous connection of batteries, keyboards or other electronic devices to a single iDevice through a Smart Connector.
The idea of those from Apple is very interesting, but considering that in general Apple develops many products that do not reach the market, so it remains to be seen when or if this technology will be launched.
A stackable connector interface with magnetic retention for electronic devices and accessories can allow power and data to be transferred between one or more stacked connectors. Each interconnected stackable connector may include one or more magnetic elements, which magnetic elements may have poles arranged to facilitate mating with other stackable connectors. The magnetic elements may also provide a magnetic retention force that holds mated connectors in contact with each other.
