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"Pro" iPad to Get Stylus?

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According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo the rumoured 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" will get a companion accessory fitting the bigger display-- a stylus Apple supposedly plans to sell as an optional extra.

iPad Stylus patent"Given that it’s more precise than a person’s fingers, a stylus can be more convenient to use than the combination of keyboard and mouse in some cases," the analyst says. "Therefore, we believe Apple’s stylus will improve the user experience of 12.9-inch iPad."

Such reports are usually based on supply chain sources, but in this case Kuo refers to a number of recent Apple patents dealing with stylus-based input. These include an iPad stylus complete with extendable "multitouch" nib, onboard light and even built-in gyroscope and accelerometer. However the analyst says Apple will not include motion sensors in its first stylus, instead including them in future models.

"The addition of a gyroscope accelerometer to a stylus allows users to write not only on the display, but also on other hard surfaces and even in the air," Kuo continues. "While this is a fantastic application for a stylus, we think the required software and hardware is not fully developed yet. Hence, we don't expect Apple's stylus to support 3D handwriting in 2015."

As for charging, the device reportedly makes use of a Lightning cable, since wireless charging remains both pricey and difficult to implement.

The late Steve Jobs was famously against styluses, declaring "f you see a stylus, they blew it," ahead of the launch of the original iPad. But then again that was 2007, and the numerous 3rd party iPad stylus accessories on the market have at least some fans. Not to mention that the supposed bigger iPad appears to be a niche enterprise device, so it might as well have a niche accessory.

Go KGI Securities