When Microsoft unveiled it’s keyboard covers for their Surface tablet, many people saw a resemblance to the Smart Cover. Coincidentally, an Apple  patent filed back in 2011 could blow the keyboard cover out of the water.

Engadget points to the patent application for an enhanced iPad Smart Cover that contains features such as secondary display, a keyboard, and solar cells.

An accessory device that is arranged to communicate with a host device by way of a communication channel is claimed. The host device includes a host device display arranged to present visual information. The accessory device includes the following: a flexible flap having a size and shape in accordance with the host device display, where at least a portion of the flexible flap is covered by a flap display configured to present visual information; and a connecting portion, the connecting portion arranged to provide at least a communication channel arranged to convey information between the host device and the accessory device where at least some of the information is presented visually on the flap display.

Finally, Apple shows an embedded e-paper display on the exterior of the Smart Cover for information like notifications and reminders, without the user having to turn on the device itself to look at these. It even includes a section to allow users to scribble notes on the cover. Make sure to check out the images below.

With this pretty high end technology, what are the chances we’ll see this on new iPhone as well? Any thoughts?

[via MacRumors]