The next iteration of the Apple Magic Mouse accessory may benefit from the Force Touch technology used on some MacBook laptops and the Apple Watch.
The trackpad-based technology, currently in use on the MacBook Pro 13/15-inch models and the 12-inch MacBook has been spotted in a recently filed patent (via TechRadar).
It features force sensors that are able to detect how hard the user is pressing, enabling the MacBook to offer different options within OS X.
There’s also a Taptic Engine which registers a clicking sensation wherever users tap the trackpad.
See also: What is Force Touch?
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Apple also has a dedicated Magic Trackpad 2 featuring the tech, while it also exists on the iPhone 6S range under the 3D Touch guise.
Bringing this to the Magic Mouse appears to be the next logical step, although it’s unclear whether the patent filed will ever come to fruition as a consumer product.
The Magic Mouse was last refreshed in October last year as an in-the-box option for those buying a brand new iMac, while it is also available separately for £65/$79.
The only real upgrade was the battery was replaced with a lightning port for charging purposes.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
