Apple May Bring Stylus To iPhone Soon, a Possible Take on Samsung's Note Family

By Precious Gem de Peralta
iPad Pro
iPad Pro comes with an Apple Pencil. In the tech company's recent patent application, Apple may be working on the Apple Pencil or an entirely new stylus for iPhone. Brett Jordan via Flickr

Can you imagine using the Apple Pencil or a new stylus on the iPhone? Based on Apple’s latest patent application, it may be the case in the future. The tech giant seems to be planning on bringing it on their flagship smartphone and possibly the MacBook Pro as well.

Patently Apple first reported that the company’s US Patent and Trademark Office patent application 20160364091 entitled Devices and Methods for Manipulating User Interfaces with a Stylus has been published. It was submitted back on Sept. 22, 2015. The patent application consists of around 229 pages, 150 of them illustrates the stylus working with an iPhone. Apple did not particularly mention the iPhone. In fact, it was stated, “an electronic device with a touch-sensitive display and one or more sensors to detect signals from a stylus associated with the device”.

Apple might also be bringing the stylus to its other electronic devices that are capable of receiving inputs. It’s likely that other than the iPhone, Apple will release one for the MacBook Pro. That is if the tech giant finally decides to integrate its laptop with a touch screen display.

According to BGR, the patent indicates that the iPhone will be able to recognize the stylus even before it actually touches the screen. It should be used to enter text, draw, annotate photos, edit videos and for instant messaging. Another possible feature is a mode where the stylus is placed directly on the locked screen and it will trigger an app like Notes. Furthermore, when the user is holding it in certain gestures, it will display a certain menu.

It should be noted that Apple’s iPad Pro has its Apple Pencil stylus. The tech giant might be looking to expand the accessory to other of its devices. This seems to be mirrored by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook in a statement, “And if you’ve ever seen what can be created with that pencil on an iPad or an iPhone, it’s really unbelievable.”

Patently Apple further reported that a stylus is in iPhone’s future. However, it is uncertain when exactly it is expected to be released in the market. Last month, an Apple patent application for a foldable device was also published, according to the Apple Insider. Loyal iPhone customers will certainly have exciting things to look forward to.

Apple’s patent application revealed that it is taking steps parallel to that of Samsung. The Korean-based company’s Galaxy Note family line set up the market for phablets. It has a bigger screen and a built-in stylus along with a bunch of features. The device’s reputation was irrefutable not until the whole Note 7 disaster struck. There were rumors that Samsung would totally rid of its Note line. However, the latest rumor specifies that there might be a Galaxy Note 8.

If this is true, Apple will have to compete against its fiercest rival. In addition, Samsung had also filed a patent application for a bendable smartphone that can be achieved with an OLED display, according to CNET.

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