The Chinese language Letem svetem Applem — as reported by AppleInsider — says an “Apple Pencil 2” will arrive this spring, featuring a new magnetic system that will allow it to temporarily attach to an iPad.
This would allow users to place the Apple Pencil on the iPad securely when not in use, allowing it to attach magnetically just like the iPad Smart Cover. I think the rumor is true and that the second gen Apple Pencil will arrive in March with an updated line-up of iPad Pros.
What’s more, I think the input will likely get expanded capabilities in the near future. Apple has filed for a patent (number 20160364091) for “devices and methods for manipulating user interfaces with a stylus” that show it being used with iMovie, Messages, Calendar, and other apps. In fact, in the patent filing, Apple notes that, “in some embodiments, the functions optionally include image editing, drawing, presenting, word processing, website creating, disk authoring, spreadsheet making, game playing, telephoning, video conferencing, e-mailing, instant messaging, workout support, digital photographing, digital videoing, web browsing, digital music playing, and/or digital video playing.” Which leads me to believe that Apple Pencil support will come to the iPhone and perhaps even to the Mac.
