Apple Patent Shows Off Combined USB and SD Card Port

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Posted June 27, 2013 at 6:36pm by iClarified

A recent application patent filed shows that Apple is trying to slim down its notebook lineup by potentially combining the USB slot and SD Card reader into one port.

The invention, which Apple calls a 'combined input port' adds contact surfaces for the different inputs (such as USB and SD cards). With this invention, Apple could potentially find ways to put USB and SD card readers on even their smallest 11" MacBook Airs.

An input port for an electronic device for receiving different types of connectors, memory cards, or plugs. The input port includes an outer wall defining a receiving aperture, a substrate positioned within the receiving aperture. A first set of contacts is positioned on the substrate at a first depth into the receiving aperture and a second set of contacts is positioned on a first surface of the outer wall at a second depth into the receiving aperture. The first set of contacts is configured to communicate with a first connector and the second set of contacts is configured to communicate with a second connector.

While the patent is just being published today, it was originally filed in December of 2011. While Apple patents sometimes never make their way into products, the potential for this "combined input port" in smaller notebooks would be a welcomed addition.

Read More via AppleInsider

Apple Patent Shows Off Combined USB and SD Card Port

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Vinay - June 28, 2013 at 3:46am

This would require a thicker notebook not help get it thinner. Seems like a waste. Also you can't use both at once. They prolly will never use this.

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mavrik101 - June 28, 2013 at 1:46am

why say its tgtbt? no mention of this going on a idevice

AppleGuy299 - June 28, 2013 at 12:20am

1. iOS Devices should have this 2. This thing is very likely to break

Tom - June 27, 2013 at 10:04pm

Pt. 162 seems to be the weekest link.

Tom - June 27, 2013 at 9:59pm

Lol It looks like moebius strip :) If they make it, it will be the most vulnerable port ever. Its just for deffense at the court.

iOS-luv - June 27, 2013 at 9:43pm

AWWwwwww...TGTBT (too good to be true)! :( Hey Apple- we're all waiting for this sd card functionality on ALL of our iOS devices. Mo money for u- the payoff could be HUGE in terms of Apple sales!

80s_hipster - June 27, 2013 at 9:20pm

Same here...sd/USB on an iPad or iPhone...too good to be true

Joe - June 27, 2013 at 7:17pm

Ahah! Right on iOS! Me too!! That's why I quickly opened iClarified to read all about it... It's only for laptops though.

KWon - June 27, 2013 at 7:51pm

It is iClarified makes the assumption in the article that it would be for smaller notebooks, and they might be correct. However, because it's iClarified assumption and not apparently confirmed by Apple concerning how this patent would be employed in future products, there's still hope yet! LOL

iOS - June 27, 2013 at 6:52pm

My heart stopped. I thought this was for iOS devices! Lol