The idea of a cellular laptop isn’t new, and in the past we have seen some companies attempt to popularize it, but safe to say that the idea has never really taken off. Now Apple themselves have explored the idea in various patents we have seen in the past, but none of them have come to fruition.However could Apple be seriously considering a cellular MacBook? While that’s anyone’s guess, a recently discovered patent application seems to indicate Apple’s renewed interest in the idea, but we should point out that a patent/patent application doesn’t necessarily translate into a finished product.
Its description reads, “Communications protocols that may be implemented using storage and processing circuitry include internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols–sometimes referred to as WiFi), protocols for other short-range wireless communications links such as the Bluetooth protocol, cellular telephone protocols, MIMO protocols, antenna diversity protocols, etc.”
Apple is said to be planning a rather major MacBook Pro refresh for later this year. We have heard it will pack all kinds of features like Touch ID, a new touchpanel display that will replace the function keys, but there is no mention of cellular capabilities. It is possible that Apple’s cellular MacBook ideas will remain just that, an idea, but we’ll keep an eye out all the same.