Patent Suggests a Force Touch Magic Mouse Could Be on the Horizon

Apple first introduced Force Touch technology into their latest line of MacBooks, which saw the touchpad integrate pressure sensors to allow users to open contextually sensitive menus depending on how much pressure they exert on the touchpad.

The technology later made its way into the Magic Trackpad accessory and the new remote for the latest Apple TV, as well as the displays on the Apple Watch and the latest iPhone and iPad models. Back in February, a patent surfaced that described a pressure-sensitive Touch ID button, and just this morning another patent was granted to Apple which describes a new Magic Mouse with built-in Force Touch technology.

Apple updated their Magic Mouse accessory last October, but really the only notable new feature was the addition of a rechargeable battery. However, according to a patent granted to Apple today, titled “Force sensing mouse”, the next iteration of the Magic Mouse may see the inclusion of Force Touch technology.

Much like the touchpad on the latest MacBooks, and the Magic Trackpad, a Force Touch-enabled Magic Mouse would detect the amount of pressure the user is exerting on it, respond with haptic feedback, and allow the user several new options depending on the circumstance. As the patent states, with such technology, “a broader range of inputs may be receivable from the force sensing input device as compared to input devices that merely detect whether or not a button or similar element has been pushed.”

A Force Touch-enabled Magic Mouse could potentially open up lots of options for the users. Much like the trackpad on a MacBook, exerting a deeper press on the mouse may allow the user to look up the definition of a word on the web, preview a document or file before opening it, or preview a web link before navigating to a new page. Force Touch technology as it stands is certainly convenient, and there are a number of yet-unexplored uses for the technology.

For users that have become accustomed to the technology on their MacBooks, Magic Touchpads, iPhones, and iPads, a Force Touch-enabled Magic Mouse will likely be a welcome addition to Apple’s accessory list. However, like any other Apple patent, it’s unclear as to when, if ever, the technology will find its way into our devices.

Learn More: Apple to Use ‘Fan-Out’ Technology to Make iPhone 7 Thinner

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]