14 DAY TRIAL // Apple might be exploring ways to launch a new 3D content creation app that would run on its iPad and offer support for the Apple Pencil, according to a recently-discovered patent.
This could be a sign that Apple is exploring ways to develop a rival to Microsoft’s own Paint 3D app, which is bundled into Windows 10 and offered as a solution for creating 3D drawings for Microsoft users.
As reported by PatentlyApple, the Cupertino-based technology company imagines an approach that’s very similar to the Windows 10 Paint 3D app, and in addition, it envisions support for a mixed reality headset that Apple could launch at some point in the future. Previous reports suggested that such a device could see daylight in 2019, so Apple’s new 3D content generating project might already be in an advanced stage.
Just like in the case of Microsoft’s own solution, Apple would rely on stylus support for its app. This means an Apple Pencil would be required, and there’s a good chance the app will run exclusively on the iPad, since the tablet is Apple’s only device with a touchscreen and Pencil support.
Drawing in the air
Rumor has it a bigger iPhone with Apple Pencil support could also see daylight at some point, and this could align nicely with this strategy of making 3D content available to as many users as possible.
The patent also describes more advanced functionality for the app, and it explains that the Apple Pencil can be used to virtually draw in three-dimension space. This means users could be allowed to simply draw in the air, while the app would be responsible for rendering the content on the iPad display.
Apple has obviously remained tight-lipped on such projects until now, but with Microsoft investing aggressively in such technology, sooner or later the company should join the 3D bandwagon as well. 2019 seems to be a very likely date given the virtual reality headset that’s believed to be in the works.