Apple iPad Stylus ‘Likely To Launch’ Against Steve Jobs’ Wishes

If you have been waiting for an Apple iPad stylus, you may not have to wait very much longer.

Recent reports claim that a stylus for the popular Apple tablet could possibly be in development for a rumored, revamped version.

Apple Insider provided a little more insight on the rumored reports that have been circulating about the iPad stylus in an article published Sunday.

“Apple is likely to launch a hardware stylus to enhance the user experience for its long-rumored 12.9-inch ‘iPad Pro,’ according [to] one well-placed industry analyst with a strong track record in predicting the company’s future product plans.”

The industry analyst referenced in the article is Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities. According to Kuo, there have been multiple stylus-rated patents filed by Apple. Based on his own research, Kuo believes that the Cupertino-based company will officially launch a new stylus within the second quarter of 2015 to accompany the long-rumored 12.9-inch “iPad Pro.”

Kuo also claims that the enhanced precision of a stylus in comparison to the human finger would make this type of development a lot more convenient. He further states that it may even be more convenient than the keyboard-mouse combinations used by consumers in some iPad cases.

Even though there is a beneficial side to the possibility of the Apple iPad stylus being developed, the Washington Post reports claim that such a move would be a stretch for Apple.

“A stylus would be out of character for Apple, especially considering that… Steve Jobs absolutely hated them.”

The report cites the 2011 biography about Steve Jobs written by Walter Isaacson, which references a common argument that Jobs had for getting rid of the handheld Newton. Based on the biography, Steve Jobs simply did not believe that extra pens would be necessary anymore thanks to the popularity of the touchscreen.

“‘God gave us ten styluses,’ he would say, waving his fingers. ‘Let’s not invent another.'”

An Apple iPad stylus, according to Kuo’s opinion, will not cause a major boost in iPad shipments. This is primarily because, if the iPad stylus is developed, Apple would likely just offer it as an optional add-on device.

However, Kuo does believe that this type of development could still help Apple to improve the overall quality of the average user experience. He also thinks that an Apple iPad stylus could also help the company to create customer groups, including educational institutions and corporations.

[Image Credit: Design Boom]