【】

You've probably forgotten amidst all this hype about iPhones, but Apple still occasionally makes computers and tablets. And a new patent application reveals that its next ones might have an interesting feature. 。

The patent, first reported by Patently Apple, would be for technology that can make an onscreen keyboard (like that on an iPad) feel like a real keyboard. 。

SEE ALSO:Apple patent reveals a new crumb-resistant keyboard design for MacBooks。

According to the patent application's images, Apple has in mind a touchscreen device that could display a keyboard, or other buttons such as music and volume controls. The device will sense when you pressed each key and provide haptic feedback -- that is, you'll feel like you're pressing a physical key.。

Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.。By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.。

Thanks for signing up!
。

Users would easily be able to press this patented keyboard.Credit: screenshot: monica chin/apple/us patent and trademark office。

It seems versatile -- the patent application's images show such a keyboard paired with a laptop, a desktop, and an iPad.
。

The company claims that such a keyboard would have an advantage over physical keyboards in that it could adapt its layout to different user preferences, or be customized for multiple use cases.
。

---

Since this is just a patent application, there's no telling yet if or when such a product will reach the market. Still, such a feature could make Apple's rumored upcoming releases, including a cheaper MacBook Air and two new iPads, even more exciting. And this technology, alongside a recent patent for crumb-resistant keyboards, gives the typists among us a lot to look forward to.。

---

Featured Video For You。

---

Featured Video For You。

Turn your hand into a keyboard with this strap of sensor-equipped rings 。TopicsAppleKeyboards 。