Apple is said to have filed a patent for an improved Apple Pencil support that is mounted above a MacBook keyboard. Claims include the ability to magnetically retain or protect the Pencil when it is placed in a storage area, and to use the pencil as a function key when placed in the chassis. The patent, which the company first filed last year, envisions the Pencil as a replacement for the row of function keys. There’s been no word from Apple about its plans to incorporate this technology in upcoming MacBook models.
According to a report by Patently Apple, the Cupertino giant has added 20 new patent claims for the invention, as part of the continuing patent count. 20220171474. The patent explains that the input tool can be stored in the recess of the keyboard case or chassis and that the app is a continuation of Apple’s Patent application for 2020 for a “Bondable Tool Computer Input”.
Apple’s patent application shows conformers can use Pencil as an input tool when it’s placed in a frame
Image credit: Patently Apple
With a new patent continuation application filed, Apple illustrated a system in which Apple Pencil can be stowed in a drawer or along the MacBook’s frame. While the newest company 14 inches and 16 inches MacBook Pro models have removed the Touch Bar to replace function keys, the application says that the holder can support high-end lighting, to allow Pencil to replace the row of function keys on the MacBook.
In its patent application, the Cupertino company envisioned an input engine that could measure and track its rotation as user input. For example, scrolling input tools (like Apple Pencil) can perform actions like scrolling, zooming, or resizing. This is shown in the third figure in the Apple app. Meanwhile, figure 11 shows that the Apple Pencil can glow when placed in a recess to reveal function keys, control system functions, install apps, etc.
Although Apple releases tablets with touchscreens and Apple Pencil support, there’s no word yet on whether the Cupertino company will actually add touchscreen or Apple Pencil support to MacBooks. . As is the case with many companies like Google and Apple that have filed patents, there’s no guarantee that a stylus-centric design for input will appear on future Apple MacBook models.
