According to a newly published patent, Apple is researching the next generation of Apple Pencil, a stylus that can record drawings on any surface, even hanging in the air. This is a step that can completely change the way users interact with technology devices.
According to documents revealed by Patently Apple, this new pen is integrated with extremely sensitive optical sensors, capable of tracking the position, slope and three-way movement of the pen. Unlike the current Apple Pencil, which only works on iPad screens, this future device can record movement even when the pen tip is suspended up to 10 cm from the table.
That means users can paint in the air like operating with a pen, but with the accuracy of modern technology.
Another special feature is the pen tip design. Instead of using traditional rubber heads, Apple is testing a trackball (spin-up) mechanism that can track movement thanks to an integrated optical sensor.
This technology helps reduce wear and tear on the pen tip, avoiding scratches when painting on many types of surfaces such as paper, wood or whiteboard. At the same time, the recorded data will be clearer, increasing the accuracy of each line of text.
Not stopping there, the patent also describes the ability to combine pens with technologies such as power sensors, incestuous unit of measurement (IMU) and computer vision.
Thanks to that, the new generation Apple Pencil can support touchless control gestures, enhanced handwriting recognition, and even create 3D images in the virtual reality environment. This opens up many potential applications in the fields of art, design, education and even reality mixed with Vision Pro.
While there is still no guarantee that Apple will commercialize the device, the above patent shows that the American technology company is constantly trying to reinvent the user experience. If it becomes a reality, the new Apple Pencil will be a breakthrough tool, bringing the concept of digital writing beyond all the limits of the screen.
