THE AppleInsider today released a new Apple patent application (entitled “Stylus Adapted For Low Resolution Touch Sensor Panels”) which involves the use of a stylus on iPhones / iTablets. The invention is credited to John G. Elias, co-founder of FingerWorks (a firm specializing in multi-touch, acquired by Apple in 2005).

The appearance of this is quite surprising, given that Steve Jobs himself has publicly stated how much he hates these pens. In the patent, the way it "communicates" with the surface would involve the use of a metallic disk (or some other type of conductive material), otherwise the touch would not be detected by the current touchscreens. In addition, the pen would be more advanced compared to the ones we know, being able to measure pressure and angle dynamically.
I find it very difficult that, after so long, Apple decides to include a stylus in the next generation of the iPhone. On the other hand, no one yet knows how the tablet works, so maybe the accessory has some use in it. One way or another, it is worth remembering that these patents do not necessarily mean that Apple incorporates the ideas into future products, so the chances of that never seeing the light of day are quite large.
(via AppleInsider)