iPadOS 17.5 Beta Potentially References New Apple Pencil and 'Squeeze' Gesture
The first beta of iOS 17.5 potentially references a new fourth-generation Apple Pencil, amid rumors that the accessory will be updated soon.
The beta includes a hidden code reference to a "V4" version of the Apple Pencil, according to MacRumors contributor Steve Moser:
NumberOfApplePencilV1ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV2ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV3ConnectionsCount
NumberOfApplePencilV4ConnectionsCount
A new Apple Pencil is rumored to launch alongside updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models in May. Apple refers to the USB-C version of the Apple Pencil released last year as the third-generation Apple Pencil in iOS code, so the fourth-generation model would be a new version that would likely succeed the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Additional code in the iOS 17.5 beta uncovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris suggests that the Apple Pencil could gain a "squeeze" gesture for certain actions, but details are slim. The gesture may provide users with a quicker way to add a sticker, text box, signature, or shape in image editing apps, the code suggests.
MacRumors exclusively reported that Apple has tested a new Apple Pencil with visionOS support, but it is unclear if this feature will be released to the public.
Popular Stories
The iPhone Duo is compatible with the Apple Pencil, if you have the right one. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera tested the Apple Pencil with the iPhone Duo to see if it's a useful tool to pick up.
If you already have an Apple Pencil 1, Apple Pencil 2, or Apple Pencil Pro to use with an iPad, you're going to be disappointed to hear they won't work with the iPhone Duo. The iPhone Duo only...
As noted by Creative Strategies analyst Max Weinbach, the iPhone Duo is gaining Apple Pencil support with iOS 27.2, which is expected to be released to the public next week. You can use the USB-C version of the Apple Pencil to draw, annotate, and scroll within supported apps on the iPhone Duo's inner and outer displays.
In a post on X, Weinbach confirmed that Apple Pencil support was enabled...
In a memo shared with Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers this week, and later obtained by MacRumors, Apple provided technicians with guidance on how to diagnose and address the iPhone Duo's inner display cracking issue.
If a customer reports the issue, Apple advised technicians to inspect the iPhone Duo and repair or replace it in accordance with their standard procedures....
