Apple improves keyboard design after 26 years

While this update may not be a huge hit, discerning users will appreciate Apple's improved keyboard design.

Apple âm thầm cải tiến thiết kế bàn phím sau 26 năm - Ảnh 1. — MacBook Air with M4 chip marks a change in Apple's keyboard design

The Mute key dates back to the PowerBook G3 'Lombard' introduced by Apple in 1999. Since then, the Mute key has become a standard feature on Mac keyboards. However, the icon for this key used to simply display a simple speaker image, making it unclear what the mute function was. When the key was pressed, macOS would display a different icon, a speaker with a line through it, creating a mismatch between the icon on the keyboard and the on-screen indicator.

Now, with the new MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip, Apple has redesigned the Mute key to display a speaker image with a crosshair and match the indicator on the macOS screen. This change not only makes it easier for users to recognize the key's function, but also fits in with Apple's design language, similar to the Mute button on the Apple TV Remote.

Changes beyond the Mac keyboard

This improvement is not limited to the new MacBook Air, as Apple has also updated the Mute key on the Magic Keyboard for the latest iPad Air, marking a big step forward for iPad users. The Magic Keyboard previously had no function keys, but now users not only have function keys but also a better designed Mute key.

Apple âm thầm cải tiến thiết kế bàn phím sau 26 năm - Ảnh 2.

Apple âm thầm cải tiến thiết kế bàn phím sau 26 năm - Ảnh 3.

The difference between the Mute button on the previous keyboard ( left ) and the MacBook Air M3

Apple is known for its attention to detail in design. While this change took more than two decades to make, it demonstrates the company’s commitment to usability. Small improvements like this can make a big difference in the user experience.

It’s likely that all future Mac models will adopt this new key design, including the MacBook Pro with the M5 chip that the company is expected to launch later this year. While it’s a small change, the fix is a welcome improvement that brings clarity to one of the most used keys on a Mac keyboard.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/apple-cai-tien-thiet-ke-ban-phim-sau-26-nam-185250310172927586.htm