Apple Pencil 3 is apparently right around the corner, and leaks indicate the next iPad stylus will offer a number of features not in the previous one. That includes a new “squeeze” gesture and Find My support.

Plus, it might also be a Vision Pro stylus.

2024 Apple Pencil builds on a legacy

Apple very, very broadly hinted that the third-generation Apple Pencil will be unveiled at the May 7 iPad event. If showing the product in the invitation even qualifies as a hint.

The second-generation model launched way back in 2018. The almost six intervening years gave its creator plenty of time to come up with new features.

But these are unlikely to change the basic nature of the product: it’s a brilliant tool for artists who use an iPad as a canvas, and it’s well suited anyone who likes to take handwritten notes. But it’s not a requirement for average iPad users.

‘Squeeze’ gesture might be biggest change in Apple Pencil 3

The Apple Pencil image in the May 7 event invitation looks essentially the same as the current models so a significant redesign isn’t at all likely. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be hardware changes.

Code for a squeeze gesture turned up in the beta of iPadOS 17.5, according to 9to5Mac. “The gesture can be used for quick interactions such as adding shapes, signatures, stickers, or a text field,” the site reported.

That should make the product more useful for artists, students and businesspeople.

The finger tap gesture from Apple Pencil 2 that lets the user easily switch between writing/drawing mode to the eraser is expected to stay in the new model.

Plus Find My support

Lose your iPad stylus now and locating it can be a hassle. Apple Pencil 3 will reportedly include support for Find My.

If true, it means users will be able to set off an audible alert on the accessory if it can’t be found. Or show its location on an iPhone. And if the device is part of the Find My network, the owner should be able to track it down almost anywhere on Earth. All that’s necessary is for any iPhone to pass near it.

That will be a comfort to those who walk around with the Apple Pencil magnetically clinging to the side of their iPad.

Stylus for Vision Pro, too?

A recent leak indicates Apple has been testing a stylus that works with Vision Pro. Perhaps Apple Pencil 3 will support this AR/VR headset and not be limited to working with iPad.

However, it’s possible the feature requires visionOS 2.0, which isn’t expected to be unveiled until WWDC24 in June.

Apple Pencil 3 coming soon

As noted, the third-generation Apple Pencil is almost certainly going to be unveiled at Apple’s “Let Loose” iPad event on May 7. If it isn’t, then CEO Tim Cook told a fib.

Pencil us in for May 7! ✏️ #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/1tvyB7h450

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 23, 2024

Pricing hasn’t leaked out yet, but the cost is expected to be relatively high. The current version, Apple Pencil 2, is $129. Its replacement is unlikely to come in any lower.