Apple is rumored to be working on the Apple Pencil 2, with the accessory to be unveiled in March alongside new models for the iPad Pro.
While there were several rumors of upcoming iPad Pro updates, this is the first rumor that hints at a second-generation Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil 2 Rumors
Rumors on the development of the Apple Pencil 2 surfaced from Chinese microblogging website Weibo, where it was said that the accessory will be arriving in the spring, according to reports from Apple's supply chain in Asia.
It was also said that the Apple Pencil 2 will be present in a March event by Apple, where the next-generation iPad Pro models will be the primary focus of the spotlight.
Rumors coming from Weibo are not known for reliability, but with several reports claiming that Apple will be releasing new iPad Pro models, it is definitely feasible that the company will also be updating the signature accessory of the tablets.
Possible Apple Pencil 2 Features
The Apple Pencil 2 is said to be featuring a magnetic system that will allow users to attach the accessory to the iPad Pro, allowing for secure safekeeping while the Apple Pencil is not in use. It is said to attach to the iPad in the same way as the tablet's Smart Cover.
A previous patent filed by Apple for a device similar to the Apple Pencil revealed features that could be coming to the accessory in the future. The patent focuses on a system that will introduce additional hardware to the Apple Pencil, allowing users to change the accessory's nibs that have different sensors. Each tip will mimic different types of brushes, pencils, and other tools.
In addition, the patent also hinted at a sensor fitted at the other end of the Apple Pencil that will function as an eraser, along with fingerprint recognition through Touch ID.
Another patent filed by Apple featured several touch sensors along the length of the Apple Pencil, resulting in the accessory being able to recognize different gestures so that users can utilize them as input commands.
It was also previously reported that Apple is looking to better integrate the Apple Pencil with the capabilities of the next iPad Pro, including allowing the accessory to work with a wider range of software.
None of these features have been confirmed for the second-generation Apple Pencil, though, and so users who are looking forward to an updated version of the accessory will have no choice but to wait for Apple's official announcement on what the Apple Pencil 2 will offer.
New iPad Pro Rumors
One of the more recent rumors on the iPad Pro, the partner of the Apple Pencil, is that the rumored new 10.9-inch model in the tablet's lineup will be dropping the Home button. The 10.9-inch iPad Pro will have a display that has almost no bezel, but will retain the overall size of the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
The rumor comes after multiple reports that Apple will be launching three models of the iPad Pro in 2017, specifically updates to the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch models and the all-new 10.9-inch model.
