A patent filed by Apple recalls the 80s, with computers such as the Commodore 64 or the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Indeed, the manufacturer could offer a Mac that consists… only of a keyboard.
The devices described herein may incorporate or house one or more computing components within an input device to provide a portable desktop computing experience to any location with one or more monitors.
The objective is therefore to consolidate the processor, memory and storage in the keyboard, which is quite possible with current components, in particular the SoC M1 from Apple Silicon. The latter does not require active ventilation, which has made it possible to integrate it into the iPad Pro tablet.
The machine would have a single connector that would be used for power and connection to an external monitor. It would use a wireless link for other input devices, such as the mouse or touchpad.
Apple is exploring different concepts in this patent, including vents to facilitate air circulation in the case. The manufacturer is even thinking of keyboards capable of folding in half to facilitate transport.
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Please note that a patent does not mean that such a product is in development. We do not know if a machine of this kind will ever be marketed. The Mac mini still has a bright future ahead of it!
Source : U.S. Patent