Apple Patents Touch Bar
Apple patent revealed that future MacBooks' Touch Bars may feature Force Touch Technology (Photo: Clément H/Unsplash(BY CC 2.0))

Apple's future MacBook models will feature Touch Bars with Force Touch technology, its patent filing reveals.

A new patent granted to Apple by the US Patent & Trademark Office revealed that the company is planning to integrate Force Touch technology on the Touch Bar of future MacBook models. The patent describes the addition of a force sensor to MacBook laptops' secondary display. The filing also includes a diagram, which confirms Apple is describing the Touch Bar feature.

Originally called 3D Touch, Force Touch technology allows touchscreens and trackpads to determine the different levels of force applied to surfaces. The technology also employs the use of pressure sensors to add another means of input to Apple devices. Developed by Apple, the company unveiled the technology on September 9, 2014, in an event where the Apple Watch is the star of the show. The Apple Watch already has force-sensing since its introduction. Since then, Apple integrated the technology in other devices included Magic Trackpad 2 and different MacBook models. A recently approved patent showed that the company also plans to integrate Force Touch technology on the Touch Bar of future MacBook models.

From the Apple Watch, where the device uses the technology to detect the amount of pressure placed on the screen, Force Touch then found its way to the iPhone with the company's launch iPhones 6S and 6S Plus. However, the Cupertino-based tech giant killed the technology later, replacing it with Force Touch, which came along with the launch of its iOS 13 update. In essence and concept, Force Touch performs the same job, albeit now uses long-press as opposed to the previous hard press. With Apple continually integrating features, which found success in some products, it will likely integrate the same Force Touch technology on the Touch Bar of future MacBook models.

Industry observers say that the MacBook's Touch Bar is the perfect place for Apple to integrate its Force Touch technology. The Touch Bar first appeared on the MacBook Pro in 2016 and replaced the physical function key typically located on the top row of a regular keyboard. The software keys on the Touch Bar changes dynamically depending on which application is currently in use. With Apple's integration of the Force Touch technology on the Touch Bar of future MacBook models, the company can set a whole new world in keyboard use.

While Apple's recent patent does not confirm the company plans to launch a particular feature in the future. However, integrating Force Touch technology on the Touch Bar of future MacBook models do make sense. Apple could use it to offer added options and menus in a small display.