The most recently rolled out iOS 9.3 beta hints that Apple could possibly be thinking about limiting the navigation abilities of the Apple Pencil for the iPad Pro, a report says.
When the Apple Pencil was first unveiled in 2015, the accessory, which carries a $100 price tag, has the ability to scroll, launch apps and carry out general purpose navigation on the iPad Pro. Actually, the Pencil can also be used on apps which were not specifically created for it.
Nevertheless, when the initial beta version of iOS 9.3 was released to developers earlier this year, the accessory could no longer be used for such purposes, according to Apple Insider. At first, a few people presumed that there's a big possibility it could be a bug in the beta version. However, when the second form of the iOS 9.3 beta was released a few days ago, the adjustment was kept.
This then lead to a rumor suggesting that the change packed into the two iOS 9.3 betas could really be intentional – that Apple might be looking at restricting the Pencil’s functionality with the impending release of its newest software update.
At this stage, very little is known yet whether this is just a bug in the pre-released form of the software or if perhaps Apple is purposefully readjusting the capacities of its Apple Pencil.
In an interview with Jony Ive, Apple’s chief designer, we could at least find some clues on what’s really on Apple’s mind. He explained he was concerned that a few consumers might confuse the function of the Pencil with the role of the finger in iOS.
"We are very clear in our own minds that this will absolutely not replace the finger as a point of interface," Ive told Wallpaper. "But it is, and I don't think anybody would argue, a far better tool than your finger when your focus becomes exclusively making marks."
There is a big chance, though, that much could still be changed as soon as the final build finally releases.
At any rate, the upcoming update is expected to throw in a ton of extra features plus enhancements across the board – hopefully with a lot less bugs, too.
Since there is nothing official yet, it is advisable to take this story with the required touch of suspicion.
