Here's how Apple can save Macbook keyboards from debris, make trackpad more useful

You might even get to use the Apple Pencil on the Macbook keyboard’s touchpad, in future.

Apple Macbook keyboard. (Unsplash)

Patents don't necessarily mean that companies will launch a similar product, but it does mean that the firm is attempting to work on a similar tech. The case remains the same for Apple as well. According to a new patent application published by USPTO and spotted by website Patently Apple, the Cupertino-based tech firm is trying something new with its Magic Keyboard.

As per the patent, the illustration shows the Magic Keyboard with a touchpad, which can not just accommodate touch gestures but Apple Pencil input as well. The keyboard is also said to feature new materials and a waterproof design. It is being said that with the new trackpad supporting Apple Pencil, users may not require a Magic Trackpad accessory.

In addition, a lot has been talked about the ‘Membrane Sealed Keyboard' as well that aims to protect the keyboard from dust and liquid protection. In case you forgot, this was one of the main reasons for Apple to move back to the Scissor-style keyboard from the Butterfly-switch keyboards in Macbooks.

So, Apple's solution to this issue is a flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. A flexible structure is said to have a spill-proof and waterproof surface so the contaminants can be held by the flexible structure and can be removed from the internals of the keyboard.

As mentioned in the patent, this flexible membrane can be placed between outer keycaps and inner portions of the keyboard such as inner keycaps, collapsible domes and stabilizers. And the material used in this structure could consist of a rubber, silicone or polymer.

Like mentioned above, it is just a patent for now and we are not sure if this tech will ever see the light of the day or not. However, it is always good to see Apple working on solving the most basic problems users face with keyboards.