For a long time Apple introduces strategy, minimize their mobile devices. It is likely that it also touched a new generation of MacBook laptops, which will not be a traditional keyboard - and no, this is not a late rally on April 1, because that's what this decision indicates one of the last giants of Cupertino patents.
Patent description is not too detailed, but it can be understood, that the traditional keyboard will be replaced by touch - operating on a similar principle touchpad. Besides, the performance of individual areas can be freely programmed, and the keyboard will be backlit.
The new solution will offset the benefit from the mechanical keyboard, which may break or get dirty. Besides, new solution will create even more thin notebooks. The catch is only that this is just a patent, which can be implemented as a next-generation laptops, and generally forgotten(as often happens).
