A new version of the Apple Pencil, which will be compatible with the Vision Pro headset, is being developed by Apple. A source familiar with the matter says the company is carrying out internal tests of a new Apple Pencil that supports the Vision Pro operating system, visionOS. This would allow the Apple Pencil to be used together with drawing apps on Vision Pro, such as Freeform or Pixelmator.
A new design with better fit
and sound quality
The design of the new Apple Pencil will differ from the current one and will be engineered to fit better in the user’s hand. Sound quality will also be improved with a new built-in speaker and microphone. In addition, instead of the current Lightning port, the new Apple Pencil will feature a new USB-C charging port.
An immersive drawing experience
on Vision Pro
With visionOS support, it would be possible to use Apple Pencil to draw in Vision Pro apps in an immersive, interactive way. For example, the user could draw on a table or other flat surface and the drawing would appear in the open Vision Pro app. This would turn the user interface into a giant canvas sensitive to pressure and tilt. Vision Pro controls would also let the user view their drawing from different perspectives and angles.
A launch expected in April
alongside new iPads
Rumours indicate that new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, as well as the new Apple Pencil, will launch in April. However, it is not clear whether visionOS support will be included with the new Apple Pencil. A software update would also be required to enable Apple Pencil compatibility with Vision Pro. visionOS 2 is expected to be announced by Apple at the annual WWDC conference in June, and the first beta of visionOS 1.2 should be available to developers as early as this week.
There is no guarantee that Apple will go ahead with releasing an Apple Pencil with visionOS support, as with any product the company develops. Even so, this would be an intriguing and inventive feature for Apple Pencil and Vision Pro users.
