Apple

For the Vision Pro headset, Apple is internally testing a new Apple Pencil

In February, the Cupertino-based tech firm officially released its mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro in the US. According to some fresh rumors, the company is internally testing a new Apple Pencil for the headset. This would enable drawing directly within Vision Pro apps, such as Pixelmator and Freeform.

There are no details on how the VisionOS will support Apple Pencil. One possible explanation is to draw on real-world surfaces like desktops with the pencil. Eventually, these drawings will appear with pressure and tilt sensitivity in real-time in the virtual space of the Vision Pro. This basically turns the space around you into an enormous blank canvas waiting to be painted.

According to reports, the new Apple Pencil could be debuted alongside the new iPad Pro and iPad Air refresh next month. However, there is no validation about its compatibility with the operating system of the headset. Additionally, compatibility depends on a software update, and it’s unclear which version will provide the feature. Developers might receive the first beta of visionOS 1.2 this week. The visionOS 2 is expected to be released in June at WWDC.

One thing to notice here is that despite passing the internal testing, there is no assurance of an official release. Nevertheless, the possibility of using the Apple Pencil to draw while in midair is definitely unique, and it will be interesting to watch any further advancements.