A MacBook sized iPhone? Not likely, but close.
Most recently, Apple has published a number of patents, including US Patent #9350068B2, titled “Electronic device with dual clutch barrel cavity antennas”, which describes the potential for MacBooks to integrate a cellular transceiver, which would enable MacBook users to make phone calls.
Up until a few years ago, cellular data networks had a big problem: they were expensive. The typical cellular data plan for an iPhone or an iPad, may, or may not include an average of 6-8GB, depending on how far the budget stretches. The other problem is with the way networks are handled. Most of the time users have trouble managing the amount of data they have available, especially when accessing streaming services like Netflix.
The combination of video streaming, regular web browsing, and the use of voice apps tend to take a toll on data usage.
Fortunately, the increasing affordability of dedicated unlimited data plans for tablets and phones, has enabled users to avoid penalties and reduce the chance of going over the limit while accessing and downloading high volumes of data when streaming video and audio over an internet connection.
Formerly a last resort for laptop users with no access to Wi-Fi, cellular data access is something that’s becoming more common, especially with iPad users. With that said, owners of netbooks like Chromebooks and even Surface tablet PCs, are starting to access cellular data networks, as seldom as it may occur, using external modems and phone tethering.
If indeed Apple is considering integrating a cellular transceiver into future Macs, this could mean a boost in demand for more affordable cellular data plans, and an increase in bandwidth for cellular devices across the board, from phones to tablets as well.
Adding cellular data access to MacBooks won’t necessarily mean big changes in how Mac OS X works, with applications remaining largely unchanged, except for the ability to possibly support cellular plans that include voice and text messaging via iMessage and FaceTime.