Apple’s S Pen alternative might work with iPhone, MacBook Pro, and even Apple Watch

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Apple’s S Pen alternative might work with iPhone, MacBook Pro, and even Apple Watch
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The Apple Pencil might be getting a major upgrade.

Apple has been granted a new patent that could radically change how the Apple Pencil works, allowing it to be used with any iPhone, MacBook Pro, or even Apple Watch. The key to Apple’s idea is that all the sensors needed for the Apple Pencil to function would be integrated into the accessory.

A future version of the Apple Pencil might feature optical sensors that could allow it to generate content on any surface. Such a version of the stylus won’t require the sensors currently part of every iPad with Apple Pencil support, and might work even outside of the device. The newly-granted patent is called “Input device with optical sensors” and includes multiple ideas for how such a device might work. One way is through systems of optical sensors and LED lights or lasers that directly detect the surfaces and the movements of the stylus. Another idea is the use of a combination of optical sensors that track a trackball and other sensors gathering information for all movement. All versions would allow sketching on any surface, making it possible to work on your desk while the Apple Pencil tracks the movements and transmits the data to the device. That way, you could potentially use the Apple Pencil with any Apple device.A newly granted patent doesn’t mean Apple will actually release the technology inside its consumer products. The company applies for and is granted numerous patents every year, and many of them are for ideas that never make it to its products. However, patents are usually a good indication of the ideas that Apple might be pursuing. The idea of an iPhone that supports Apple Pencil isOn the other hand, this particular patent not only includes very broad language but also an example with a media player resembling an iPod. That’s why it’s safe to say that not everything inside it will be part of actual products., it describes many features that would fit it perfectly. For example, the pencil would allow you to move a cursor around, scroll, open files, and answer phone calls, among other things. Combined with the ability to draw anywhere and maybe use it as a high-accuracy pointer, such features might be a useful addition to the. Of course, any product based on that patent is in a very early stage of development, so it is very unlikely to see it anytime soon.Secure your connection now at a bargain price!A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.Multiple accounts - one person can have only one accountTo help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can post or comment.Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a post should be moderated - please, report it.I tried using China's best flagship phone this summer, but it fought me every step of the wayThe next king of foldables might materialize at the very beginning of 2026 I’m a big fan of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 for workouts—and at 40% off this Prime Day, they’re a stealThe budget-friendly Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is an epic bargain at 43% off this Prime Day

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