Apple is working on an Apple Pencil that recognizes the colors of real-world objects and wirelessly transmits sampled shades to the iPad, so you can use them in artwork and writing.
The Apple Pencil 2 is already the ultimate iPad accessory with a fashionable yet functional design and useful features like gesture control and wireless charging. But Apple may want to release a stylus that will be a great companion for the best iPads – from the best iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) to the affordable iPad (2022).
The company has filed a new patent that details the Apple Pencil stylus that recognizes the color of real-world objects (via Definitely Apple (opens in a new tab)).
As specified in the patent US 20220413636 A1 (opens in a new tab) (and shown in the image above), Apple’s concept uses light emitters and sensors in the nib to detect and record the color and texture of the surfaces it’s placed on.
Unfortunately, as with any patent, there’s no guarantee that Apple will release a color-detecting 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 use, along with other potential issues that could prevent the device from being released.
That said, with the Apple Pencil 2 now over four years old – it launched in November 2018 – the lineup is set to arrive in a new entry, and the color-sensing model would give iPad owners a solid reason to upgrade their stylus. We just have to hope Apple’s upgrades don’t make an already expensive accessory – the current model costs $129 / £119 / AU$199 – a lot more expensive.
We’ll have to wait and see what 2023 brings, but we won’t be too surprised if we see the launch of the impressive Apple Pencil 3 alongside the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch 9.
Don’t want to wait for an iPad stylus? Here are today’s best Apple Pencil deals.