Apple’s next-generation Pencil lets you copy textures and colors from surfaces

Apple has reportedly filed a patent application for an optical sensor that would allow a next-generation Apple Pencil to copy the texture and color of an object’s surface. The optical sensor could also reportedly allow the third-generation Apple Pencil to wirelessly relay detected data to a laptop for use with a drawing program. The patent also details how adding the sensor could change the look of the Apple Pencil.

according to a report by PatentlyApple, Apple has filed a patent for an optical sensor that may correspond to patent application number US 20220413636 A1 with the US Patent and Trademark Office, which could be included in a future version of the Apple Pencil stylus.

The sensor will reportedly allow the Apple Pencil to recognize the texture and color of an object’s surface and “copy” them to the Apple device, which is expected to be the device the Apple Pencil is used with next generation is used. This data could also be sent wirelessly to a laptop for use with drawing software, according to the report.

The patent filing suggests that the next-generation Apple Pencil could include a light sensor and light emitter that work together to analyze and detect the color and texture of a surface the pencil is pointing at.

Meanwhile, Yanko has published design power that visualize what the next-gen Apple Pencil could look like with the sensor.

The Cupertino, California-based giant has previously filed other patents related to biometric verification and gesture recognition, such as on-screen tips that facilitate copy, paste, and undo/redo functions, as detailed in a report by PhoneArena. Apple has also filed a patent application believed to cover a speaker, rotary input device, microphone, power button, mute button, biometric sensor, camera, and force and/or touch-sensitive trackpad includes on the Apple Pencil, the report said.

A next-generation Apple Pencil could launch sometime next year, the report adds.

However, it’s important to note that Apple hasn’t given any official confirmation or indication of any developments surrounding the next-gen Apple Pencil. It’s also worth noting that not every patent filed will find its way as an actual feature on the company’s upcoming devices.