Apple patents a button that senses pressure in three directions
Apple has been granted a patent for an input button that sticks out from a device's housing. The button can detect when a user pushes it straight in, twists it, or slides it sideways. Sensors inside measure these movements to change what appears on the screen.
In the filing’s own words
An input device includes a movable input surface protruding from an electronic device. The input device enables force inputs along three axes relative to the electronic device: first lateral movements, second lateral movements, and axial movements. The input device includes force or displacement sensors which can detect a direction and magnitude of input forces.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An electronic device comprising: a display; a housing at least partially enclosing the display; a user input control protruding from the housing, the user input control comprising: a cap configured to receive: an axial force along a first axis, the axial force configured cause the cap to translate along the first axis; a rotational force about a second axis, the rotational force configured to cause the cap to rotate about the second axis; and a lateral force along a third axis, the lateral force configured to cause the cap to shift along the third axis; a force sensing system configured to detect an applied force, the applied force including at least one of the axial force, the rotational force, or the lateral force; and a processing unit coupled to the force sensing system, the processing unit configured to modify a graphical output of the display in response to the detected applied force exceeding a threshold.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Tri-axis force sensor
- Patent number
- US12761606B2
- Application number
- 18789281
- Filed
- Jul 30, 2024
- Granted
- Oct 13, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G04G 21/00 Physics & computingG04G 9/0005 Physics & computingMore from Apple in Phones & computers
- Apple patents foldable screen that warns you if you bend it too fast Sep 15, 2026
- Apple patents car key features inside its digital wallet app Sep 1, 2026
- Apple patents side button that vibrates sideways when pressed Sep 1, 2026
- Apple patents tablet cover that uses fabric to control folding angle Sep 15, 2026
- Apple patents laptop hinge design that uses a metal tunnel for antennas Sep 15, 2026
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.