Apple has recently filed a patent for a new type of trackpad that could potentially be used in future MacBooks. The patent, which was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), describes a full side-to-side glass haptic trackpad that would be integrated into the keyboard of a MacBook.
The patent describes a trackpad that would be made entirely of glass and would cover the entire width of the keyboard. The trackpad would be able to provide haptic feedback to the user, allowing them to feel the sensation of a physical button press. The haptic feedback would be generated by a series of actuators located beneath the glass surface.
The patent also describes the use of a touch sensor embedded in the glass trackpad to detect the user’s finger movements. The touch sensor would be able to detect multiple finger gestures, allowing the user to perform a variety of tasks such as scrolling, zooming, and clicking.
The patent also mentions that the glass trackpad would be integrated into the keyboard to provide a seamless and uninterrupted surface. The keyboard would be backlit, and the keys would be able to adjust their brightness depending on the ambient light conditions.
The patent also notes that the trackpad would be able to detect the force applied by the user’s finger, allowing for the implementation of “force touch” features, which are currently present in the latest MacBooks.
It’s worth noting that companies file patents for many ideas and technologies that may or may not make it to a final product. However, this patent filing does suggest that Apple is exploring new ways to improve the trackpad experience for its users and continues to innovate in the realm of haptics technology.
Overall, the patent filing for the full side-to-side glass haptic trackpad shows that Apple is exploring new ways to improve the trackpad experience for its users and continues to innovate in the realm of haptics technology. While it is unclear if this technology will be used in future MacBooks, it is exciting to see what Apple may have in store for its users in the near future.