Apple Pencil 2 With AirPods-Like Pairing Expected to Launch Alongside iPad Pro With Face ID

[MacRumors]

A new version of the Apple Pencil with an AirPods-like pairing process will be released for the rumored iPad Pro with Face ID, expected to be announced later this month, according to 9to5Mac's Guilherme Rambo:

The new Apple Pencil will be paired with iPad Pro by proximity, much like AirPods or HomePod. Switching between devices will be possible without connecting the Apple Pencil to the charging port. It's unclear whether the current model of Apple Pencil will work with the new iPad.

It's unclear if the new Apple Pencil will be compatible with previous iPad Pro models or the sixth-generation iPad.

iPad Pro with edge-to-edge display mockup via iDropNews​

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple was working on a new Apple Pencil and new software tools for using the stylus back in November 2017, but few details have surfaced until now, beyond a patent filing for a more precise version of the drawing tool that would incorporate ultrasonic technology.

The current Apple Pencil launched alongside the original iPad Pro in November 2015, and hasn't been refreshed since. The $99 drawing tool gained support for the sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPad earlier this year.

Rambo said the new iPad Pro will have an edge-to-edge display without a home button, as rumored several times. Unlike the iPhone X, he said the new iPad Pro will not have a notch, as the bezels are said to be wide enough to accommodate the TrueDepth camera and sensor array necessary for Face ID.

Face ID on the new iPad Pro will work in both portrait and landscape orientations, according to the report.

Rambo also corroborates rumors about the iPad Pro with Face ID having a new rear-facing Magnetic Connector for connecting accessories, such as a new Smart Keyboard. Earlier this year, rumors and a CAD drawing suggested the Smart Connector will be relocated to the lower back side of the device.

Possible CAD of 2018 iPad Pro via Steve Hemmerstoffer/OnLeaks​

The report also corroborates Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's claim that the new iPad Pro will have a USB-C port. The new connector will enable 4K HDR video output to external displays, with new settings to control resolution, HDR, and brightness on connected external displays, according to Rambo.

Apple will likely unveil the iPad Pro with Face ID and the new Apple Pencil at a media event later this month, although no date has been announced as of yet. Apple is also expected to announce updates to several Mac models at the event, including the MacBook and/or MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini.

Apple's event could take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday of next week, in which case invitations should go out within the next few days. The next option would likely be Tuesday, October 30, as Apple CEO Tim Cook will be in Brussels on Wednesday, October 24, likely ruling out an event that week.

Article Link: Apple Pencil 2 With AirPods-Like Pairing Expected to Launch Alongside iPad Pro With Face ID

 

[rpat701]

I may be finally time to update my original iPad Air.

 

[I7guy]

The real surprise will be if the new Apple pencils work with the Xs/xr.

 

[cmaier]

I wish pencil 2 came with an eraser.

And I really hope it has an off switch. My battery is always dead. It’s fast to recharge, but it really shouldn’t discharge if I don’t use it.

 

[AngerDanger]

Excellent! I've often thought the Pencil could take some cues from AirPods. But why stop with pairing?

 

[AngstyKylo]

I may be finally time to update my original iPad Air.

Really looking forward to see what they come up with. Love iOS on the iPad.

 

[Scottsoapbox]

Great. Now I have to buy a new pencil with my new iPad.

 

[cmaier]

Great. Now I have to buy a new pencil with my new iPad.

And new charging cables and power pucks...
[doublepost=1539092620][/doublepost]

Great. Now I have to buy a new pencil with my new iPad.

And new sdcard adapters, and new...

 

[rmoliv]

I want AirPower and AirPods wireless case.

 

[cmaier]

I want AirPower and AirPods wireless case.

I want airpods to fit in my ears

 

[InTeCredo]

I may be finally time to update my original iPad Air.

Me, too! Can't believe how AGONISINGLY SLOW my iPad Air has gotten with each update! iOS 12 is slightly teeny-weeny better than iOS 11.

 

[Return Zero]

iPad pro with A12X bionic, FaceID, USB C, 6GB RAM, 512GB fast storage, cellular data... this thing is going to cost $1500... but it will be hecking awesome. Maybe I'll finally swap out my MBA for one.

 

[gugy]

These mock up designs are ugly. Sorry to say.

Not blaming the artist.

 

[russkn87]

I'd like to see an ergonomic Apple Pencil (prism shaped) with one side of it accepting wireless charging, now that would be cool. I find the Pencil uncomfortable to hold and slippery or it rolls away. I know there's silicon sleeves etc, but aesthetics!

 

[cmaier]

I'd like to see an ergonomic Apple Pencil (prism shaped) with one side of it accepting wireless charging, now that would be cool. I find the Pencil uncomfortable to hold and slippery or it rolls away. I know there's silicon sleeves etc, but aesthetics!

Just add a clip like a real pen, and the clip connects to the magnet for charging.

 

[Rogifan]

If Apple is going to slowly transition iOS devices to usb-c it makes sense to start with the iPad Pro.

 

[Fozziebear71]

I'll be upgrading from my original iPad Pro 12.9". Can't wait!

 

[cmaier]

If Apple is going to slowly transition iOS devices to usb-c it makes sense to start with the iPad Pro.

They may end there, too, if the idea is that the iPad is a “computer” replacement and the iPhone is a mobile device.

 

[epicrayban]

I know there is slim chance they'll introduce an updated iPad Mini 4, but has there been any hints at a price drop, or an update to the internals?

 

[Greenmeenie]

Will be great if the new Apple pencil charges wirelessly thru the new magnetic connector on the ipad. That’d be cool. No more having to awkwardly stick the pencil into the lightning port....and losing the cap!

 

[B.A.T]

I really want a new iPad Pro but I really don't need it. When my current (2013) iMac dies I'll probably go all iOS and pony up for an iPad Pro rather than a new Mac.

 

[Rogifan]

I wish pencil 2 came with an eraser.

And I really hope it has an off switch. My battery is always dead. It’s fast to recharge, but it really shouldn’t discharge if I don’t use it.

Right, if you don’t use the pencil all the time when you do go to use it the battery is usually close to dead. Mine travels with me in my laptop bag and I think any detected movement drains the battery.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

I wish pencil 2 came with an eraser.

And I really hope it has an off switch. My battery is always dead. It’s fast to recharge, but it really shouldn’t discharge if I don’t use it.

I had issues with my pencil that would refuse to charge if left in a dead state for too long (not sure how long that is, but let's just say a few months). Apple would not replace it under warranty and had to opt for a "refurb" for $39.

The refurb, so far stays at 100% after extended periods of non-use.

 

[lansQ]

this was pretty much expected as soon as the logitech crayon was released with the ipad 9.7" last march

 

[Greenmeenie]

I know there is slim chance they'll introduce an updated iPad Mini 4, but has there been any hints at a price drop, or an update to the internals?

I too would love this to be true, but I’ve heard nothing. How cool would it be if apple slimmed the bezels on the ipad mini making the 7.9” screen 8.5” with face ID and pencil support! That’d be so cool. The perfect travel size ipad. At least update the ipad mini and give it pencil support tho.