Integrated visual notification system in an accessory device

An electronic device suitable for use with an accessory device that includes a segment having a transparent window and multiple illumination elements, the electronic device comprising:

• a housing having an opening;
• a connector positioned in the opening and configured to electrically couple to the accessory device;
• a display assembly carried by the housing;
• a processor circuit carried by the housing and electrically coupled to the connector;
• and
• a touch input layer covered by the display assembly, wherein when the segment overlays the display assembly, the touch input layer determines a location of the transparent window and the processor circuit sends an electrical signal through the connector, thereby causing 1) a display item to appear on the display assembly in a location corresponding to the transparent window, and 2) the multiple illumination elements to illuminate in accordance with the display item.

A method for controlling an electronic device with an accessory device having a segment that includes a transparent window, the electronic device including a display assembly and a touch input layer disposed on the display assembly the method comprising:

• covering the display assembly with the segment;
• determining, from the touch input layer, a location of the transparent window;
• and
• illuminating the display assembly in an area corresponding to the location of the transparent window.