Apple is developing a futuristic stylus that lets users draw on nearly any surface — including in mid air.

In a recently filed patent*, Apple describes how the pen-like device can be operated without a touch-sensitive device, such as a touchscreen tablet or smartphone.

A computer would be wirelessly tethered to the stylus and a camera would track the pen’s movements via sensors, according to the filing.

As a result, users wouldn’t just be limited to 2D drawings. They could also create 3D doodles by drawing in space.

The stylus would also be able to write on typical surfaces like a MacBook laptop or Mac desktop computer, as well as on new devices like the Apple Watch or the iPhone.

The next-generation stylus could be controlled using two different methods. The pen would have a force sensor in the tip of the device that detects whether it’s lifting off or touching down on a device.

A motion and orientation sensor, such as a camera, would track the movement of the stylus. It could also be tracked using an electromagnetic* receiver.(SD-Agencies)