According to a recently published patent application by the US Patent & Trademark Office, Apple could be looking to expand its usage of haptics in future MacBook devices. The patent, titled “Laptop computing device with discrete haptic regions,” showcases the potential for future MacBook or similar electronic devices to include advanced haptic outputs across a palm rest, trackpad, and more interestingly, a touchscreen panel.
Haptic feedback isn’t a new concept for Apple, as the Force Touch trackpad has been a standard with both the MacBook and MacBook Air since 2015. However, despite Apple’s prowess regarding touch technology in its other devices, a touchscreen MacBook has yet to see the light of day. So what does this patent signal for the future of the MacBook? A MacBook Touch? A MacBook 2-in-1? Or just a more refined user experience?
