Apple’s Find My app supports most of the Cupertino-based company’s devices, such as the Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple AirPods, with just one exception: the Apple Pencil. A patent that has now been filed indicates that the company is working on enabling the “Find My” app for its pens (the Apple Pencil) as well.
- Apple has disclosed a new patent that outlines their approach to incorporating the “Find My” app functionality into the Apple Pencil.
- The company’s strategy involves integrating an acoustic resonator into the design of the Apple Pencil.
- It remains uncertain whether this implementation will be the definitive solution chosen by Apple in Cupertino.
Locate my Apple Pencil!
One notable feature missing from the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the 2nd generation Pencil is the ability to locate them if they have been detached from the Apple iPad or misplaced by the user. In a document released by the US Trademark and Patent Office, Apple is using a new device to replace the current Ultra Wide Band (UWB) connection to provide this tracking capability in the Apple Pencil in the future.
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The sketch describes how the Apple Pencil will be equipped with an acoustic resonator or similar device that produces the required level of vibration at a specific frequency or amplitude. It was also shown that the component is attached to the rear end of the pen next to the haptic module instead of being placed in the shaft
One of the examples documents how location is activated when an Apple device such as an iPhone or iPad initiates communication with the Pencil. The Apple Pen then beeps before being detected by the handheld’s target detector. This allows the location on the map of the “Find My” application to be determined as usual.
Currently, the patent does not indicate that the iPhone maker will finally adopt this solution. It may be possible to use the existing UWB technology that has proven itself in Apple devices such as the AirTag (test). Nonetheless, this latest development suggests Apple may be about to unveil an Apple Pencil that can be tracked if lost.
Source Patently Apple