U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published another Apple’s patent application on Tuesday. This time it’s a some kind of touch sensitive button that is capable of detecting multiple levels of pressure. The U.S. Patent No. 8,581,870 is entitled "Touch-sensitive button with two levels".
Here’s what AppleInsider writes:
While a majority of the patent refers to a "button," a notation buried near the end of the document points out that a touch screen operatively coupled to an actuator can be considered a "touch-sensitive depressible button" as described below.
This patent proves that the company from Cupertino is currently working on a new type of display I’ve mentioned earlier - the curved and pressure-sensitive one.
A recent rumor claims Apple is working on a pressure-sensitive touchscreen that can trigger UI functions based on how hard a user is pressing the glass. Such a system is described in the company's latest granted patent.
Can’t wait to see the devices equipped with brand new screens.
Link to source: Apple Files Patent for "Touch-Sensitive Depressible Button"