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AppleGranted patentPhones & computersInterest 6/10

Apple patents side button that vibrates sideways when pressed

Apple describes a button assembly for the side of a device that detects both touches and hard presses. When activated, it creates a vibration by moving the button part sideways rather than up and down.

Why it mattersThis design offers a different type of physical feedback that could make buttons feel more responsive or distinct from standard clicks.

In the filing’s own words

A haptic button assembly may be used for detecting inputs and providing haptic outputs at an electronic device. The haptic outputs may be provided in response to detected inputs or in response to other conditions at the electronic device. The haptic button assembly may define an input surface along an exterior of the electronic device. Inputs may be provided to the input surface of the haptic button assembly. An input may include a touch input on or along the input surface and/or a force input directed substantially perpendicularly to the input surface. The haptic button assembly may provide a haptic output by moving an input member of the haptic button assembly laterally (e.g., substantially parallel to the input surface).

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An electronic device comprising: an enclosure defining an opening, the opening positioned along a side of the electronic device; a button assembly positioned at least partially within the opening, the button assembly comprising: an input member defining an input surface configured to receive a touch input and a press input; a support member coupled to the input member and extending at least partially through the opening; a restoring member positioned within the enclosure and configured to provide a biasing force to the support member, the biasing force configured to restore the input member to an unactuated position; a bracket coupled to the support member; a strain sensing system operably coupled to the bracket; and a capacitive input sensor operably coupled to the input surface; and a processing system communicatively coupled to the capacitive input sensor and to the strain sensing system, the processing system configured to: detect the press input based at least in part on a signal from the strain sensing system resulting from a deformation of the bracket induced by a force applied by the support member; and detect the touch input on the input surface based at least in part on a signal from the capacitive input sensor.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Portable electronic device having a haptic button assembly
Patent number
US12725495B2
Application number
18805279
Filed
Aug 14, 2024
Granted
Sep 1, 2026
Inventors
3
Claims
20

Classified under

G08B 6/00 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.