Apple received a patent on Thursday for an advanced iPad cover that contains both illumination and communication elements that will light up to alert users of notifications, according to AppleInsider. 

source: appleinsider/ USPTO

The patent, described as an “Integrated visual notification system in an accessory device”, is for hardware that will act as a screen protector and alert device. The product will be similar to Smart Covers which used LED lights to notify users of incoming messages when the cover of the device is closed. 

source: appleinsider

The Smart Cover will use “shapes, words, and symbols” to transmit notifications including messages, emails, and whether the battery is low. Users can then use the Home button or volume keys to dismiss the messages. 

It is still ambiguous as to whether this patent will actually be materialized into a product that will hit the market sometime in the near future.