Apple could make the next version of Pencil really, really cool.

The Apple Pencil is a stylus pen that debuted alongside the iPad Pro in November. It's a pretty basic input device even though it can detect angles, pressure sensitivity, and force, allowing you to apply dark or light strokes depending on how hard you press. While using Apple Pencil with the iPad Pro, you can also simultaneously use your fingers. It basically makes electronic drawing on the iPad Pro more feasible. 

But there's only so many ways you can update a stylus. So, how much different could a second-generation Apple Pencil be from the original? Apple will likely introduce a new model either this winter or in the coming years, and if a 2012 patent spotted by Apple Insider is put to use, we can expect that Apple Pencil to be much more versatile. It might even have interchangeable nibs.

According to the patent, Apple detailed a stylus that uses swappable tips. These tips can be standard ones like a felt-tip pen, or they can be fancy ones such as a force-sensing bristle brush tip, motion-tracking camera, and a flashlight. Fingerprint recognition - similar to Touch ID - is further mentioned for authentication. If your fingerprint is not recognised, the stylus won't work.

It's important to remember that patents don't always come to fruition. However, it's still interesting to learn about what Apple do with certain products - like Apple Pencil - in the future. 

next apple pencil could have swappable tips and even touch id image 3