Apple has long been known for its innovative and user-friendly devices. A recent patent suggests that the company may be exploring the integration of a stylus with future iPhones. The patent hints at the development of an “optical stylus” that could be used with touch-based devices, including the iPhone and iPad. This potential move has sparked speculation about the future of Apple’s product lineup. There are also rumours about the possibilities it could offer to users, particularly those engaged in creative work or seeking more precise input methods.
According to a recent patent filing upgrade by the United States Trademark and Patent Office (USPTO), Apple has obtained a technology patent for the Apple Stylus. The patent reveals that this stylus will not be for the iPhone alone. It will also work for augmented reality/virtual reality/mixed reality applications. According to the patent description, the new Apple Pencil comes with an optical sensor. For this reason, it can be used to interact on non-touch-enabled surfaces.
Apple Stylus Sensors
Optical sensors, such as optical flow sensors and laser speckle flow sensors, detect spatial-temporal picture brightness variations (for example, brightness changes across frames) to estimate the motion of the input device. To assess the motion of an input device, laser speckle flow sensors detect speckle patterns created by coherent lighting of imaging setups. Optical sensors can detect input device characteristics such as location, orientation, and/or motion.
A laser speckle flow sensor may, in some cases, include an emitter (such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)) that emits light towards a surface and a detector (such as an image sensor) that captures an image of the environment to detect light emitted from an input device that reflects or strikes a surface. Forces exerted by an input device, forces exerted by a pen tip, inertial measurements, magnetic measurements, and/or computer vision measurements may also be received from one or more additional sensors.
Apple’s patent FIG. 1A below illustrates an example mobile phone (iPhone) that includes a touch screen #124 that can accept input from an input device (e.g., active stylus) input. Systems using input devices with optical sensors can in some cases be used to provide input for augmented reality, virtual reality, or mixed reality applications.
Potential for Stylus Support
The history of the Stylus dates back to the medieval times though they were mostly local quill pens made from bird feathers. Over the centuries, this feature has developed and we now have a full-blown digital stylus. In recent times, several brands like Samsung, Xiaomi and others have different generations of stylus. Now, it’s the turn of Apple to join the train and this patent is a confirmation that Apple is working.
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The patent application indicates that Apple is considering the development of an “optical stylus” that could be used with future touch-based devices, including the iPhone and iPad. This suggests that Apple may be exploring new ways to enhance the user experience and provide additional input options for its devices. The use of a stylus could open up new possibilities for creative professionals, students, and anyone seeking more precise control and input methods on their devices.
In addition to the potential integration of a stylus with future iPhones, Apple has also filed patents describing advanced features for the Apple Pencil. This includes possible force sensors that could enable new gesture commands, including sliding and squeezing gestures. These developments indicate that Apple is not only considering the integration of a stylus with its devices but also exploring ways to enhance the functionality and user experience of its stylus products.
Implications for Users
If Apple were to introduce stylus support for future iPhones, it could have significant implications for users. This is particularly true for those who engage in creative work. The ability to use a stylus with an iPhone could open up new possibilities for digital art. It could also create an easy way for note-taking, and other creative activities. It could also provide a more precise input method for tasks such as photo editing and graphic design, potentially expanding the use cases for the iPhone in professional and creative contexts.
The potential integration of a stylus with future iPhones hints at Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation and user experience. Apple is exploring new input methods and expanding the functionality of its devices. The company continues to seek ways to meet the evolving needs of its users. The development of advanced stylus and potential stylus support for the iPhone could further differentiate Apple’s products in the market. It could also offer unique benefits to users.
Final Words
Apple’s recent patent hints at the potential for stylus support in future iPhones. This signals the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and user experience. We should however understand that this is just a patent. We all know that most patents never make it to an actual device. Thus, we should not be too excited just yet. Nevertheless, the developments in Apple’s stylus-related patents suggest that the company is exploring new options. These are ways to enhance the functionality and user experience of its devices. If realized, this move could have significant implications for users. It will be particularly useful for those that engage in creative work, and further differentiate Apple’s products in the market.
Author Bio
Efe Udin is a seasoned tech writer with over seven years of experience. He covers a wide range of topics in the tech industry from industry politics to mobile phone performance. From mobile phones to tablets, Efe has also kept a keen eye on the latest advancements and trends. He provides insightful analysis and reviews to inform and educate readers. Efe is very passionate about tech and covers interesting stories as well as offers solutions where possible.
