In May 2024, Apple introduced the Apple Pencil Pro, boasting features such as custom haptic feedback, a unique ‘squeeze’ function, and an integrated gyroscope. Currently, this stylus stands as the premier accessory for users looking to enhance their iPad experience with a writing tool. Presently, the stylus requires a touch-sensitive surface for interaction, though future iterations may change this requirement entirely.
Recent developments suggest the possibility of a new Apple Pencil incorporating a trackball tip and optical sensors, enabling users to generate content on any surface, even without a touchscreen. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has awarded Apple a patent for this innovative technology, which leverages multiple approaches to offer enhanced functionality.
Patent Reveals Technology That Could Allow Writing on Non-Touch Screens
A patent document highlighted by Patently Apple suggests that Apple is exploring the development of a stylus capable of drawing on various surfaces. This proposed device would feature a trackball tip along with dual optical sensors designed to facilitate content creation independent of a touchscreen interface.
The patent details that the optical sensors could include either an optical flow sensor or a laser speckle flow sensor. According to the specifications, these sensors are positioned atop the trackball tip and are intended to monitor surface movement by detecting alterations in spatial and temporal brightness variations.
Optical flow sensors could effectively capture images of the surrounding environment to identify light reflected off the drawing surface, as noted in the patent documentation. Additionally, laser speckle flow sensors might be employed to analyze speckle patterns produced by coherent illumination, assisting in tracking the movement of the input device on non-touch surfaces.
The documentation also indicates that these sensors could be harnessed for drawing or content generation on makeshift surfaces, such as walls or tables. Furthermore, Apple may utilize the optical sensors to determine surface characteristics, including the position, orientation, and motion of the stylus.
If Apple chooses to advance its patented stylus design, it could represent a significant upgrade to the existing Apple Pencil Pro. For reference, the Apple Pencil Pro was released in 2024 and features advanced capabilities such as custom haptic feedback, a squeeze function, a gyroscope, and compatibility with Find My technology.
