Will Apple include optical stylus pen support for next iPads and iPhones? A patent application is suggesting its likely to happen.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Will Apple include optical stylus pen support for next iPads and iPhones? A patent application is suggesting its likely to happen.

Palm was the world`s first smartphone maker to include an stylus on its Treos. HTC and Samsung have done it  as well, more recently.

What you can do with an optical stylus is different now than a simple stylus for just tapping on the screen instead of your fingers.

Apple has submitted an application to patent an "optical stylus" for use with future touch based devices, leading to speculation that the next iPhone or iPad could include stylus support.

Apple's potential product is far more complex, featuring haptic feedback, an on-board speaker, and an optical sensor, all transmitting data back to the device via short range wireless communication.

An excerpt from the Apple patent describes "an input device capable of generating haptic feedback may help a user navigate content displayed on the display screen, and may further serve to enhance the content of various applications by creating a more appealing and realistic user interface."

Apple could market this device as an accessory, eliminating the need to radically change the design of its devices, and those who want to use a stylus will have the ability to purchase one.

It's unclear whether or not Apple's optical stylus will ever materialize, as this patent was originally submitted in 2010. However, Apple has a track record of patenting technology for use in the more distant future, such as its mobile hydrogen fuel cell. 

Thanks to the fairly strong sales of Samsung's Galaxy Note, Apple may decide it's time for the optical stylus to come to market.