The next Apple Pencil might be able to ‘see’ color, according to a new patent

Apple is working on an Apple Pencil that can recognize the color of real-world objects and wirelessly transmit the sampled hues to your iPad, so that you can use them in your artwork and writing.

The Apple Pencil 2 is already the best iPad accessory, thanks to its fashionable yet functional design and its useful features, such as gesture controls and wireless charging. But Apple could be looking to launch a stylus that will serve as a superior companion for the best iPads out there – from the top-of-the-line iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) to the budget-friendly iPad (2022).

The company has filed a new patent that details an Apple Pencil stylus that can recognize the color of real-world objects (via Patently Apple (opens in new tab)). 

As detailed in the patent US 20220413636 A1 (opens in new tab) (and shown in the image above), Apple’s concept uses light emitters and sensors in its nib to detect and record the color and texture of surfaces it's placed on.