New Apple Patent Suggests Rotating Displays for Future MacBooks

Will your next MacBook have a rotating display? According to Patent Apple, it is definitely possible. Apple recently won a patent for a MacBook with a rotating, removable screen. The patent also mentions rear cameras that can be fixed or attached.

According to the drawings and descriptions, the display will not rotate in the normal sense. Instead, it appears that the design will include “a base component that may be movable, rotatable, or rotationally connected or attached to the display component, for example, by means of a hinge assembly.” That means users can take out the display, turn it around on the base, and position it the right way. Rotating the display would make this MacBook ideal for conference calls and presentations.

While that's exciting news, the camera aspect of the patent is equally compelling. Several features of this rear-mounted camera are included, including LIDAR, facial recognition, and infrared sensors. Some of the images show the camera sitting along the panel, while others show the camera sticking out, similar to what you'd find on an iPhone camera module.

The most interesting part of the patent discusses a “second camera module,” where the “optical component” can be attached to the front or back of the lid. However, there is no word on how the dual cameras will be used. Is Apple considering improving FaceTime or video conferencing in general? Or maybe there is a way to use an additional module to get a better picture?

We will have to wait and see if Apple decides to include any design in the next generation MacBooks.