Apple Pencil could banish Touch Bar if new MacBook patent comes to pass
Date:
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:36:13 +0000
Description:
A recently published patent from Apple hints that future MacBook models could trade the Touch Bar for Apple Pencil support.
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A recently published patent from Apple hints that future MacBook models could swap the Touch Bar for Apple Pencil support. If the company were to go ahead with the plans shown in the patent, it would be quite a shake-up for future MacBooks, given Apples prominent use of the Touch Bar over the past few
years.
The patent, filed with the US Patent & Trademark Office and spotted by Patently Apple , pertains to a potential MacBook design that features a slot for the Apple Pencil where the Touch Bar would otherwise be. While inserted
in this retainer slot, the Apple Pencil can act as a mouse or display
function keys thanks to the retainers built-in lighting system.
In the patent images, we can also see a demonstration of the Apple Pencil situated on the sides and bottom of the MacBook, perhaps attached to it magnetically. This doesnt tell us much, admittedly, but we can glean that the Apple Pencil will be removable and likely retain its usual feature set, such as being used as a stylus. The best Apple Watch apps we've used Best iPhone : which Apple phone is for you? Best tablet : the top tablets you can buy right now Analysis: what is Apple thinking?
Its important to note that these Apple Pencil plans for a future MacBook design here are only in the patent stage for now. Therefore, theres no guarantee that Apple will see the design to fruition. However, the real question is what can the Apple Pencil achieve that the more traditional Touch Bar cant?
Let's say Apple sees the design through, and youve got yourself a MacBook
with an Apple Pencil and expanded functionality via the electronic retainer slot. One big aspect would be versatility, as the patent shows that the Apple Pencil can offer function keys as well as allowing you to adjust options like volume and brightness, or even use the accessory as a scroll wheel.
One other nice thing that could be easily overlooked? Youre likely getting a free Apple Pencil with your MacBook. Thats great because the device also acts like a stylus, meaning it can be used to interact with touch screens such as on your iPhone or iPad. Budding artists can also use the Apple Pencil as a means to start drawing more complex pictures, no longer having to use their fingers to get the job done. (Image credit: Future)
We wont be so quick to discount the usefulness of the Touch Bar, though. This nifty MacBook addition offers tailored options based on the software youre using, such as offering editing controls in Final Cut Pro, or even touching
up images in Photoshop. Were not entirely sure the lack of visual feedback on an Apple Pencil alternative could offer such robust features.
We also have to wonder how the inclusion of an Apple Pencil would factor into the cost of the prospective future MacBook shown in the patent. The second-generation Apple Pencil retails at $119 / 119 / AU$189, which we imagine would be rolled into the cost of the MacBook. The interactive
lighting technology in the devices retainer slot could also push the price of the MacBook up.
Regardless, were certainly interested to see what Apple ultimately does with the patent. Once again, we must stress that a patents details arent a guarantee for a future model. But it is nice to see Apple at least
considering other options for potential MacBook buyers. Best Apple Pencil alternatives
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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-pencil-could-banish-touch-bar-if-new-macb ook-patent-comes-to-pass/
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