IPadOS 26 Presents Virtual Qalam Calligraphy Pena For Apple Pencil

Apple will introduce virtual reed calligraphy pen or virtual qalam calligraphy pen. (photo: dock. apple)

JAKARTA Apple is rumored to be introducing a unique feature in its latest operating system update, iPadOS 26, namely virtual called calligraphy pen or virtual qalam calligraphy pen. This feature is designed to provide the experience of digitally writing Arabic calligraphy using Apple Pencil.

This feature was first revealed in a Bloomberg report, and is said to be officially announced at the WWDC 2025 event which will be held next week. This virtual pena qalam will take advantage of the advanced capabilities of the Apple Pencil Pro, which last year was introduced with features such as gesture squeeze, rotation detection (barrel roll), and haptic feedback.

Pena qalam is a traditional stationery made from the base stems of logs or bamboo, which is commonly used in Arabic and Islamic calligraphy. Its characteristic feature is a tilted end that is able to produce scratches with varying thickness, giving a flowing and elegant impression on Arabic letters.

So far, Apple Pencil has indeed supported pressure sensitivity, but has never presented a gross simulation that specifically imitates qalam's way of working. Now, through the iPadOS 26, Apple is trying to bridge traditional calligraphy art with modern technology.

Focus On Middle East And Indian Markets

This feature also reflects Apple's strategic steps in expanding its market reach in the Middle East and South Asia region. According to technology journalist Mark Gurman, Apple plans to release two important features for users in the region, namely:

- A state-of-the-art bilingual keyboard that allows users to easily move between Arabic and English.

- Virtual qalam calligraphy pen for Apple Pencil users.

It is still unknown whether this feature is only available to Apple Pencil Pro or will also be compatible with the previous Apple Pencil model. However, this feature is expected to attract calligraphic artists, letter designers, and Arabic language educators.

With an increasingly inclusive approach and paying attention to cultural values, Apple once again shows that technology can be a means of preservation and development of traditional art.