An unreleased third-generation Apple Pencil that includes optical sensors for detecting a floor’s colour and texture has been detailed in a patent submitting.

- What’s taking place? A brand new patent software hints at an unreleased Apple Pencil stylus that might combine optical sensors, which the present fashions lack.
- Why care? The brand new sensor would allow customers to pattern not solely the colour of a floor but additionally its texture and presumably different visible measurements.
- Why care? The present second-generation mannequin has but to be up to date since 2018, so this submitting is an efficient indication of what’s subsequent for the Apple Pencil.
Third-generation Apple Pencil surfaces in a patent submitting

PatentlyApple unearthed Apple’s patent software filed with the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) beneath the US quantity 20220413636 A1.
Titled “Digital System With Optical Sensor For Sampling Surfaces,” the doc on the USPTO web site outlines a doable third-generation Apple Pencil stylus that includes a built-in gentle detector able to sensing colour and a lightweight emitter.
The system would allow the consumer to pattern the colour and texture of a floor scanned with the tip of a future Apple Pencil. The system would then ship these measurements wirelessly to a companion system corresponding to an iPad. Drawing software program working on a companion system might leverage details about sampled colour and different attributes to enhance the expertise of utilizing Apple Pencil.
Prior patent filings have recommended {that a} third-generation Apple Pencil may present enhancements like simulating floor textures with haptic suggestions and scanning objects in 3D area. Learn: How you can repair iPhone haptic suggestions not working
Apple Pencil is ripe for a refresh
For what it’s value, Apple incessantly patents technological concepts as a defensive technique although a few of its protected innovations find yourself in precise merchandise.
Relating to when Apple may replace its stylus, it shouldn’t be earlier than 2024. Whereas the present second-generation Apple Pencil arrived in 2018, the corporate will most likely tie the following stylus refresh to its first OLED iPads, that are anticipated in 2024.