Some media noticed that Apple submitted 3 patents related to game controllers. (Photo/Retrieved from Patently Apple)
Although there are blessings from third-party manufacturers, it is still very difficult to use iPhone and iPad to play “handheld games” in the traditional sense. Recently, foreign media broke the news that Apple officially submitted 3 patent applications for external handle controllers, which seems to be interested in entering the handheld market.
According to the “Patently Apple” report, Apple previously applied for a patent on a game controller in Europe, numbered WO2022067344, and the patent was officially published on March 31, 2022. According to the patent application, Apple’s hand-held controllers are mainly divided into three types, one of which is the traditional controller. The iPhone is assembled horizontally and then turned into a small handheld computer.
The second type is very familiar. The appearance and design concept are very similar to the Joy Con dedicated to Nintendo Switch. This controller has a set of 2 handles, which can be installed on the sides of the iPhone or iPad.
The third type of handle is mainly used for Apple TV, and its appearance is very similar to the traditional controller, but its biggest feature is that it can connect Apple TV and mobile devices such as iPhone or iPad at the same time. In addition to playing the game, you can also use the touch screen function of the iPhone or iPad to view game information, or send text to the game.
The report also stated that at present, these three kinds of handles are only in the patent application stage, and it is not clear when the patent will be officially obtained. Even if a patent is obtained, the time to market of the product is not yet clear, and it is also likely to face the situation that it will not be mass-produced.