We’ve heard that Apple is looking to add an OLED screen above the keyboard for its upcoming refresh of the MacBook Pro. However, it appears that Apple may be looking to up its keyboard game even further as the company has talked to Sonder Keyboard regarding Sonder’s dynamic keyboard technology.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple’s procurement board has recently held discussions with the Australia startup. Key to this discussion is Sonder’s keyboard, a keyboard that utilizes E Ink technology to offer dynamic, contextual keys that can be customized to a user’s preference. Sonder has confirmed that discussions with Apple did indeed take place, and that Foxconn International Holdings and E Ink Holdings are assisting in the negotiations.
Sonder didn’t get into specifics as to what the company has discussed with Apple, but it is not too much of a stretch to say that Apple may be looking to integrate Sonder’s dynamic keyboard technology into their own products. With the new MacBook Pros supposedly coming out very soon, it is unlikely that this tech will be available by default on Apple’s new laptops. That said, keyboard peripherals for the MacBook may be a very real possibility. Failing that, there is always the chance that this tech will make its way into future MacBooks.
Even if the upcoming MacBook Pros won’t sport Sonder’s E Ink keyboards, the startup has mentioned that it is “currently closing B2B procurement contracts with three 3rd party laptop companies to integrate out technology into their products.” Simply put, E Ink keyboards on laptops will be coming to the market soon.
Source: 9to5Mac
