Apple has created new multi-touch technology that enhances user interaction with the screens of its devices, according to patent documents.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple on Thursday, described as offering a thinner, quicker, high-resolution screen that will be able to detect touch on the sides of the device.

The new technology is assigned for Apple's iPhone and other media players as well as its MacBook notebook computers, but many are speculating it will be used for the highly anticipated iSlate tablet.

Expectations are that the iSlate computing device will be unveiled on Jan. 26 or 27 as Apple has booked auditorium space on those dates in San Francisco.