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Apple's new patent: Applying MiniLED technology to the Macbook keyboard

Apple's new patent: Applying MiniLED technology to the Macbook keyboard

2026-02-04 10:40:55 · · #1
Source: Notebookcheck

On April 23, foreign media revealed that Apple had previously disclosed a patent technology that applies Mini LED technology to the keyboard of Macbook laptops to create a new type of touch keyboard that allows keycaps to display custom symbols.

Apple is reportedly exploring a dynamic touch keyboard technology that, unlike traditional designs that rely on a display screen, equips each key with multiple LEDs to display the desired symbol. This design is expected to replace the LED backlighting currently used on MacBook keyboards without increasing power consumption.


Image source: AppleInsider

The patent reveals that the keys are made of aluminum and use a traditional scissor-switch mechanism. To achieve a sufficiently high resolution and ensure clear and legible symbols, the design utilizes Mini LEDs for illumination. This design promises to provide users with greater customization options for their keyboards.

It's worth noting that Apple has already incorporated Mini LED technology into several of its products, including the Pro Display XDR, its first professional-grade display; the 5th and 6th generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablets; and the 2021 and 2023 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. (Compiled)

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Report Title content Format Publication time LED Industry Demand and Supply Database Demand Market Analysis: PDF / Excel 1Q (Mid March)
3Q (Early September)
Demand Market Analysis 2025-2029 ( Backlighting & Flashlighting / General Lighting / Agricultural Lighting / Architectural Lighting / Automotive - Passenger Vehicles & Logistics Vehicles & Motorcycles / Displays / UV LED / IR LED / Micro LED / Mini LED) Supply market analysis: 1. Chip market output value (output value of external sales market, total sales market output value) 2. Global New/Cumulative MOCVD Installations of GaN LEDs and AS/P LEDs 3. GaN LED and AS/P LED Wafer Market Demand ( by Region/Size) 4. GaN LED and AS/P LED Wafer Supply and Demand Market Analysis LED manufacturers' revenue and production capacity LED Chip Market Analysis: PDF / Excel 2Q (Early June)
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