Apple Pencil 3 could be the first to support the Find My feature

With the recent public release of iOS 17.3, the inevitable arrival of a new developer version has taken place and, as expected, iPadOS 17.4 beta and The iOS 17.4 beta has been revealed. One of the important updates of iOS 17.4 is Apple's compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which brings many changes to Safari, the App Store and iOS itself. However, the update doesn't stop there. As revealed 9to5Macinternal files of iOS 17.4 indicate references to a new Apple Pencil 3 designed to be compatible with the Find My network. This would allow users to easily locate their misplaced Apple Pencil, similar to the functionality offered for AirPods and AirTags.

Details on whether the new Apple Pencil will feature Ultra Wideband technology for precise tracking or whether it will show the last location on the map remain to be clarified. However, a new Apple Pencil integrated into the Find My network is apparent.

Adding to the speculation, the iPadOS 17.4 beta introduces a new iteration of the PencilKit API, a tool that developers use to ensure their apps are compatible with Apple Pencil. However, information about specific PencilKit 3 improvements is not disclosed on Apple's developer website.

This secrecy implies that PencilKit 3 could introduce new features that require updated hardware, and Apple appears to be keeping these developments under wraps for now. According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has indeed been working on redesigned accessories for the upcoming iPad Pro.

Rumors have swirled that Apple is developing two new iPad Airs and two new OLED iPad Pros, which are expected to debut in March alongside the public release of iOS 17.4. Recent reports indicate that production of displays for the new OLED iPad Pros may already be underway, heightening anticipation for the imminent launch of the new iPad series. Stay tuned for further updates as the unveiling of the new iPad lineup draws near.