Apple Patent for iPhone Home Button with Joystick

Apple has a new patent application that looks like a pop-up home button which can work as a joystick. The patent describes a button that goes form the standard mode to an extended gameplay based on specific pressure input. The patent specifies that the use of a hardware controller will prevent a user’s finger from obscuring visible screen area during a game.

The patent, called a “Multi-Function Input Device,” describes a low-profile spring-released joystick that would be activated when pressed. The joystick would elevate slightly for use, and then return to its original position inside the bezel when pressed again.

The patent has drawings of an iPhone 6 style smartphone which has a standard home button setup. When a user applies a certain amount of force to the home button, it extends beyond the surface of the display which gives it flexibility to move left, right, up, and down. If you want to switch back, just press down on the home button hard enough to lock it back into place.

More details on the patent come with a possible sensor to the home button, including a force sensor, optical sensor, and more. These sensors would make a very inclusive device which can detect more than an analog stick on your average gaming systems. This would serve to be an excellent design if implemented correctly, and hopefully we will see more details in Apple’s future.