When Apple launched the latest iPad Pro with M4 processor, it also introduced the new Apple Pencil Pro. What they didn't tell us was the design feature users discovered.
If an iPad Pro user writes on the device, the Apple Pencil Pro appears to cast a shadow. A shade that can look like a fountain pen. Or if the user is drawing, use a brush.
French website Numerama obtained an interview with Apple's Steve Lemay, who is responsible for human-machine interaction, that it wasn't done just because it looked good.
“Previously, we had to rely on the memory of the chosen tool,” Lemay tells Numerama. “We created a digital shadow to make it feel like you're holding a real pencil. This convinces you it's paper.”
Here the classic fountain pen is selected, which is reflected in the digital shade.
Here the classic fountain pen is selected, which is reflected in the digital shade.
Peter Arnstedt
Here the classic fountain pen is selected, which is reflected in the digital shade.
Peter Arnstedt
Peter Arnstedt
Designer Molly Anderson says making the iPad Pro thinner was also difficult.
“Portability is at the core of the iPad experience. In 2010, our design goal with the first iPad was to create a magic slab of glass, a digital sheet of paper, and we've never gotten closer to that original idea.
“Entrepreneur. Freelance introvert. Creator. Passionate reader. Certified beer ninja. Food nerd.”
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