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.
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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.。

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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. 
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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.。

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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. 。

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