Apple patents laptop base with touch and force sensing
Apple describes a portable computer design where the base section is made from a non-conductive material with a top surface and side wall formed as one piece. It includes two separate sensing systems: one to detect where you touch the base and another to measure how hard you press.
In the filing’s own words
A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A portable computer comprising a display portion comprising a display; and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and comprising: a bottom case; and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case and comprising: a top member defining a top surface of the base portion; and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion; and a sensing system comprising: a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion; and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- DEVICE HAVING INTEGRATED INTERFACE SYSTEM
- Publication number
- US20260277330A1
- Application number
- 19669920
- Filed
- May 6, 2026
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 13
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06F 3/016 Physics & computingG06F 1/1616 Physics & computingG06F 1/165 Physics & computingG06F 1/1662 Physics & computingG06F 3/017 Physics & computingG06F 3/0213 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 a button that senses pressure in three directions Oct 13, 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
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.