Apple might be developing a dynamic illuminated keyboard technology that would free the keys from being restricted to a single function. The Cupertino, California-based tech company recently filed a new patent that makes reference to a potential future MacBook that might include an illuminated keyboard with variable key functionalities. According to reports, the LEDs beneath the keys might even display animation and video on top of the keys. Current keyboard lighting technology only illuminates the key function that is intended.
The US Patent & Trademark Office released an Apple patent on Thursday that specifically relates to keyboard mechanisms, according to a report in Patently Apple. According to the patent, the keys would have dynamic lettering, or "glyphs," that would light up in accordance with the appropriate function. They would also be partially composed of aluminium.
The study stated that the current embodiments "most particularly" pertain to keycaps with illuminable glyphs that are "selectively visible or invisible to an unaided human eye." According to the patent, the keycaps of the upcoming Apple keyboard might be perforated so that an array of LED lights could illuminate various symbols, numbers, and letters by only lighting up certain of the perforations.
Users might be able to totally change keyboard layouts or even switch to a different language with such a dynamic keyboard. The study also stated that the key LEDs could be programmed to display animations, data, or even video on a single key or a set of keys.
In their patent filing, Apple listed a number of benefits their keyboard would have over current backlit keyboards. Most modern keys are composed of plastic and are typically painted or coated with letters or symbols. Over time, the coat starts to disappear as a result of constant keyboard use. A key made of aluminium would be seen as being of much greater quality, and switching to LED glyphs would solve the issue of key symbols wearing off.
From 2015 through 2019, Apple used the infamous Butterfly Keyboard on MacBooks. Earlier this year, the business settled a class-action lawsuit over its faulty MacBook keyboards for $50 million (approximately Rs 414 crore). The Magic Keyboard is now available on the company's MacBooks.