The next Apple Pencil might be able to ‘see’ color, according to a new patent
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Apple is working on an Apple Pencil that can recognize the color of real-world objects and send the sampled hues wirelessly to your iPad so you can use them in your artwork and writing.
The Apple Pencil 2 is already the best iPad accessory, thanks to its fashionable yet functional design and useful functions, such as gesture control and wireless charging. But Apple could be looking for a stylus that will serve as a superior companion to the best iPads out there – from the top-end iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) to the budget-friendly iPad (2022).
The company has filed a new patent that describes an Apple Pencil stylus that can recognize the color of real-world objects (via Patent Apple (opens in new tab)).
As described in the patent USA 20220413636 A1 (opens in new tab) (and shown in the image above), Apple’s concept uses light emitters and sensors in the tip to detect and record the color and texture of surfaces it’s placed on.
Unfortunately, as with any patent, there’s no guarantee that Apple will launch a color-sensitive pencil anytime soon. While Apple has worked out how such a product would work in theory, in practice the extra sensors could make the device too bulky to be useful, among other potential issues that could prevent the device from being released.
That said, with the Apple Pencil 2 now more than four years old – it launched in November 2018 – the line is due for a new introduction, and a color-sensitive model would give iPad owners a good reason to upgrade their stylus. upgrade. We just have to hope that Apple’s improvements don’t make the already expensive accessory – the current model costs $129 / £119 / AU$199 – too much more expensive.
We’ll have to wait and see what 2023 has in store, but we wouldn’t be surprised if we see the launch of an impressive Apple Pencil 3 alongside the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch 9.
Don’t want to wait to get an iPad stylus? Here are today’s best Apple Pencil deals.