Apple has appliced for a patent that describes a digital stylus capable of being a drawing device, air mouse and even a joystick. The patent, which was filed by Apple in November 14, 2014 with the U.S. Patent Office, outlines a stylus packed with pressure sensitivity and six and nine-axis inertial sensors. It describes a peripheral that can stand in for any number of devices. Used on a touch surface, for instance, the stylus might function as a normal pen. Lifted off a surface, it could be used to perform gestures or mouse movements. Standing on its tip, one could use it as a joystick, or rotate it left and right to turn a dial or move an object on a nearby computer screen.

"Inertial sensor data may be used to allow the stylus to operate as a joystick, a rotational controller, an air mouse, or other input devices in addition to serving as a touch sensor input device," part of the patent reads.

The attached art shows the prospective device being used with what looks like a Mac.

But have in mind, that not all patents make it to market.