Apple Patents Pencil Design That Can Sample Colors From The Real World

When Apple unveiled its first-generation Apple Pencil in 2015, creatives worldwide were finally able to harness the full capabilities of the iPad, using the pressure-sensitive accessory to express a wide range of artistic effects. 

The second-generation model landed on shelves three years later, with a sleeker look, wireless charging capabilities, and a double-tap feature allowing users to interact with the device and switch tools just with simple touches. 

It seems the technology giant has spent the past several years working on an even more advanced iteration of the Apple Pencil, and if recently-filed patents do come to life, artists could see themselves with an accessory with the ability to sample colors from the real world. 

First reported by Patently Apple, the patent describes the upgraded accessory as having color sensors built into its tip, so that users can place it on the surface of any object to detect the exact shade—a real-life color picker, if you will.

Furthermore, other images in the filing give rise to the possibility that the digital tool could come with a built-in light ambient sensor, light emitter, and a light detector that can even discern the textures of various surfaces. 

Of course, as MacRumors is quick to point out, just because Apple has officially filed a patent for the gadget, it doesn’t mean it’ll eventually come to market. Previously, the company had filed a similar feature in 2020, but no such update has been confirmed just yet.

Would adding color sensors to the Apple Pencil revolutionize how creatives approach the myriad hues and shades in their work? Could creations become even more life-like with the ability to replicate textures we see and feel every day? Fingers crossed the upgrade becomes reality. 

[via MacRumors and Patently Apple, images via various sources]