Apple has patented a new stylus that allows a user to write on any surface, even those without a touch-sensitive input.

The patent, filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), describes an input device without a touch-sensitive surface:

"In some examples, touch-down and lift-off on a non-touch-sensitive surface can be monitored by a force sensor of the input device. The position and/or motion of the input device can be tracked according to various methods including one or more of a motion and orientation sensor, a camera, or an electromagnetic- or sound-based triangulation scheme.

The force data and position/motion data can be processed to generate content, including textual character input and three-dimensional objects. In some examples, the content can be generated based on tracking position and/or motion of the input device without requiring contact with a surface."

The capability to draw and write more freely could be helpful for prototyping or building applications in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR). It could also help professionals more fluidly storyboard and take notes during VR-based conference calls.

This new stylus could expand to work on other iOS devices and MacBooks as well.

While the new stylus is currently a patent, it raises interesting questions about the future workplace.