A new Apple patent reveals that the company is making its own stylus. Although this is not the first time that a company has protected the design of their equipment by filing a patent, this is Apple's first to develop a stylus for its range of devices, especially the iPad line.
The patent was filed at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and it describes the stylus as a "communicating stylus" that will enable users to write on the surface like paper or whiteboard and later transfer this writing to an Apple device. According to the patent, the stylus has sensors and accelerometers that will wirelessly transmit data on a device. Furthermore, the patent details that the stylus can be used in note taking, which is apt in a classroom setting, and the notes will be replicated in an Apple device.
There is no word yet as to what specific Apple product it will debut with. It is also still unknown whether Apple has clear plans of pushing through with the stylus since not all Apple patents come into fruition. Sometimes, patents are used merely to protect the technology to ward off other companies from developing it, as the company that files it gain exclusive rights.
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro is reported to be released in the second quarter of 2015, most likely in the spring. Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri stated in his note to investors that Apple is working on the iPad Pro that will liven up the iPad line and boost its declining sales.
According to rumors, iPad Pro is pegged to be a laptop-tablet hybrid with a massive 12-inch screen display. It will come with a detachable keyboard for users to transform it into a laptop. The device will reportedly aim for the high-end market, especially the business professionals who desire hybrid devices that they can easily carry but has superb functions and capabilities. Thus, its apps will center on business and entertainment.
Under the hood, the iPad Pro is rumored to pack an A8X or A9 processor paired with 4 GB of RAM, iOS 8 or iOS 9, 16 GB/ 64 GB/ 128 GB internal storage variants, 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, and Touch ID fingerprint sensor. However, Apple offered no comment regarding the aforementioned rumors.
