The new gesture will be called “compression”
Apple is expected to unveil new iPad Pro and iPad Air models soon, and 9to5Mac has obtained evidence confirming the development of a new Apple Pencil 3 stylus, as well as that it will feature a new gesture.
A plethora of evidence found in the iPadOS 17.5 beta code, which was released to developers on Tuesday, April 2, points to a new gesture called «compress» for Apple Pencil. You can use this gesture for quick interactions, such as adding shapes, signatures, stickers, or a text field. Presumably, the gesture will be triggered by pressing the surface of the Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil 2 only supports the double-tap gesture for switching between different tools in certain applications and does not have pressure sensors on its surface — only at the tip. This suggests that the new “squeeze” gesture found in the iPadOS 17.5 beta is intended for the unreleased Apple Pencil 3.
Additionally, iPadOS 17.4 introduces a new version of the PencilKit API, which developers can use to make their apps compatible with the Apple Pencil. However, Apple has not yet revealed what new features PencilKit 3 adds for users. Some rumors suggest that the Apple Pencil 3 will support replaceable magnetic tips.
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple plans to introduce new iPad models in early May. Along with the new iPads, the company is also announcing the Apple Pencil 3 and an updated Magic Keyboard that will make the iPad more like a traditional laptop.