Apple Patent Application Could Let iPod touch Make Calls

Apple has filed for a patent covering an accessory that could allow iPod touches to make phone calls, or a device like the iPhone to connect to two separate mobile phone networks at the same time.

According to PatentlyApple, which first found the patent applications, the patent covers a transceiver that could connect to a device either through a direct connection or wirelessly. That transceiver would effectively handle the mobile phone duties for a device like the iPod touch, which doesn’t otherwise have the ability to make phone calls.

The patent doesn’t specifically cover iPod touches, but rather any mobile electronic device. We should also stress that it’s a patent application that was filed in the first quarter of 2010, and not a granted patent. Even if the patent is granted, however, there is little or no indication, let alone a guarantee, that Apple would bring a product like this to market.

In fact, it could be argues that Apple has no incentive to make it possible for its customers to use the less expensive iPod touch to make phone calls, rather than its own iPhone or, even worse, some other company’s product. If granted, though, the patent could be used to block third party companies from introducing such products.