By Joe Rossignol
The first beta of iOS 17.5 potentially references the new fourth-generation Apple Pencil amid rumors that the accessory will soon be updated.
According to MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, the beta includes a hidden link to code for the “V4” version of the Apple Pencil:
NumberOfApplePencilV1ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV2ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV3ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV4ConnectionsCount
The new Apple Pencil is rumored to be released alongside the updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models in May. Apple refers to the USB-C version of the Apple Pencil released last year as the third-generation Apple Pencil in iOS code, so the fourth-generation model will be a new version that will likely succeed the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Additional code in the iOS 17.5 beta, discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, suggests that the Apple Pencil may gain a “pinch” gesture for certain actions, but details are thin. The gesture could provide users with a faster way to add a sticker, text box, signature or shape in image-editing apps, the code suggests.
MacRumors exclusively reported that Apple has tested the new Apple Pencil with VisionOS support, but it's unclear whether will this feature be generally available?
Related Reviews: iOS 17, iPadOS 17Tag: Apple Pencil GuideRelated Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17, iPad Accessories[ 32 comments ]
