Apple Pencil for Apple Vision Pro in testing: here's what it could do

One of the best accessories for the iPad is the Apple Pencil. There are plenty of rumblings about what’s next for the stylus, and it looks like Apple is tinkering with the idea of interchangeable sleeves for the Apple Pencil. But it’s not just about jazzing up your stylus with a new outfit. These sleeves could give you more control, sensors, and even a bit of extra juice for the Vision Pro headset.

Read more: I bought an Apple Vision Pro, here’s what I think after 48 hours

Now, let’s be honest, the Apple Pencil line-up could confuse a GPS system. Never mind the average gadget shopper like you or I. It’s mind-boggling that the first model from 2015 is still loitering in the shops. But, it looks like a future generation could shake things up entirely. A newly-revealed patent application details a “handheld input device that may include a stylus and a removable sleeve on the stylus.” And it’s not just a patent filed for the sake of it. MacRumors reported that Apple is currently testing it, suggesting it could be ready sooner rather than later.

“The input-output capabilities of the handheld input device may be shared between the stylus and the removable sleeve,” it goes on. Translation: your stylus gets to share its homework with the new sleeve. Here’s where it gets wild. The patent covers all sorts of gizmos, from “controllers, handheld controllers, input devices,” and so on, before finally spilling the beans on this stylus idea.

It details “air gestures” and “hybrid gestures” involving moving this device through the air. These gestures combined with the sensors inside the sleeve would make the Apple Pencil perfect for the Vision Pro. You’d be able to draw freely in the air, and have your creations appear in visionOS.

At the moment, hand gestures are the only physical control you have over the headset. So this stylus input would give you more precise controls. We imagine this would be perfect for creatives, who could draw and move elements in the mixed reality space. Of course, this is just a patent for now, so may never see the light of day. But if it did, the Apple Pencil could give creatives a compelling reason to shell out for the Vision Pro.

Related: Apple Pencil 4 rumours: what’s next for Apple’s smart stylus?

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around six years now, with writing across the web and in print too. Connor has experience on most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he’s a fan of gadgets of all sorts! Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup scene. This exciting involvement puts him at the front of new and exciting tech, always on the lookout for innovating products.