Apple may get rid of keyboard in future MacBooks, reveals a new patent

Interestingly, the patent also suggests that there could be a thin physical keyboard over the glass surface.

The MacBook Pro 13 (2020) (HT Tech)

Apple has given a special focus to its MacBook keyboard in the past few years, considering the introduction of Touch Bar and bringing back the scissor-switch keys for better typing experience. But it might just happen that there won't be any keyboard in future MacBooks. This is shown in a patent titled “Device Having integrated Interface System.” Here, Apple is seen describing a laptop that doesn't have a keyboard. Instead, it uses a touch based input. 

As mentioned by Patently Apple, this form factor might just work in more ways than imagined. The report states that MacBook may take new interfaces such as “It could theoretically present users with a game controlling interface when playing a video game. It could provide DJ's with a touch-based turntable and audio controls. It may offer video editors with an interface that could take advantage of touch instead of a keyboard. It could be a clean canvas to allow artists to use their Apple Pencil.”

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Interestingly, the patent also suggests that there could be a thin physical keyboard over the glass surface. This will be required to translate the typing movements. Also mentioned is the use of magnets on the touch surface. Th area where your wrists rest while typing might come with magnets, indicating wireless charging facility.

However, as it is the case with other patents as well, this too may or may not reach the masses. For now it just seems like an idea and something apple might work upon. How successful does it become and how quickly market adapts to such tech are still not known.