Apple Pencil was announced in 2015 alongside the iPad Pro as a tool to take the iPad to the next level. The new revolutionary stylus houses a full processing processor inside its tiny chassis and works smoothly with the iPad. iPad and Pencil work well together for digital artists and note takers.
Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs was famously opposed to styluses, but with the tablet form size, the Apple Pencil has proven to be a handy tool for note taking, sketching, and more.
The Apple Pencil has been around since 2015, and all of Apple’s iPads now support either the first or second version Apple Pencil. We cover all you need to know about the Apple Pencil in the guide below.
What is the Apple Pencil?
The Apple Pencil is a stylus made by Apple that is compatible with Apple’s iPads. The Apple Pencil got its name from its resemblance to a standard pencil, albeit with a decidedly Apple-esque look.
There’s a little plastic tip that connects to the iPad’s display (which can be replaced), a pencil-like body to grip onto, and a charging mechanism. The first-generation Apple Pencil has a Lightning connector, whereas the second-generation device charges inductively via the iPad Pro.
The Apple Pencil replaces a finger for precision tasks like as writing and sketching, and it may also be used to navigate the operating system. Because it is precise, features palm rejection, and gives pressure and tilt sensitivity, it is ideal for drawing, art production, note taking, and other related jobs.
In a word, the Apple Pencil is designed to function similarly to a standard pencil, except that instead of writing on paper, you write on the iPad’s display. You can write with your hand directly on the iPad, which was a feature that other styluses could not accurately imitate for a long time.
What are the differences between Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2?
The Apple Pencil is available in two variants, the first of which was released in 2015 and the second in 2018. Both perform the same thing, however they are designed differently and have distinct charging processes.
The most significant distinction between the two Apple Pencils is their device compatibility.
The Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with current iPads, but the original Apple Pencil is compatible with previous iPads.
Because it lacks a Lightning port at the end, the second-generation Apple Pencil is sleeker, smaller, and more compact than the original Apple Pencil. It’s meant to charge inductively via the iPad Pro, so place it on the right side of the iPad on the flat area to begin charging, with the ApplePencil held onto the tablet using magnets.
The original Apple Pencil has a Lightning connector that allows it to charge by plugging it into the Lightning port of an iPad, which is difficult due to the size of the Apple Pencil.
Apple also includes an adaptor with the ApplePencil 1 so that it may be charged using any Lightning connector.
Because it features a flat side and a sanded design that increases the texture, the Apple Pencil 2 has a more pencil-like design.
The Apple Pencil 1 is round and smooth. The Apple Pencil 2 also allows touch gestures for switching between tools, something the original Apple Pencil did not.
Despite having different charging procedures and bells and whistles, the Apple Pencil 1 and 2 work in the same way and have the same broad feature set.
How to use Apple Pencil with your iPad or iPad Pro
The Apple Pencil responds to pressure and tilt.
This increases its functionality because you may press harder to draw larger lines.
It is recommended that you use the Pencil softly when taking notes to avoid harming the screen over time.
The pressure sensitivity feature is beneficial for drawing and sketching because it eliminates the need to constantly press hard on the screen.
You can shade the screen with the Apple Pencil, just like you would with a standard pencil on paper. The tilt feature can also be used to draw calligraphic letters.
The Apple Pencil also features a double-tap feature. The app developers must decide what the double-tap function accomplishes. Except for the Notes app, this function activates the eraser. The Notes app allows you to switch between functions. They are as follows:
- You can switch between the current and last used tool to display the color palette;
- You can switch from the current tool to the eraser; and
- You can turn off the pencil with a double-tap.
Apple Pencil Pricing
The first-generation Apple Pencil costs $99, while the second-generation costs $129.
Apple Pencil Accessories
Are you looking for an Apple Pencil case, charger, or anything similar? We’ve compiled a list of the greatest Apple Pencil accessories you should be aware of.
The Apple Pencil is a must-have item for everyone who has a compatible iPad. The Apple-designed stylus is ideal for taking notes and more creative tasks such as sketching or drawing.
Please keep in mind that all of our accessory options are for the first-generation Apple Pencil, which is compatible with all iPad Pro models except the 2018 model. It also works with the 2018 iPad.
- TechMatte Apple Pencil Charger/Stand
- Catalyst Grip Apple Pencil Case
- Twelve South PencilSnap Apple Pencil Case
- Belkin Apple Pencil Stand + Case
- Toast Real Wood Cover for Apple Pencil
- PencilCozy Apple Pencil Cap Holder
- Dreamvasion 2-in-1 iPad and Apple Pencil Charger Cable [Broken URL Removed]
What devices are compatible with Apple Pencil?
The original Apple Pencil, which was introduced in 2015 and features a round body design and a Lightning connector, is compatible with the following devices:
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
The second-generation Apple Pencil, which has a reduced footprint and supports inductive charging, is compatible with the following devices:
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation and later)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
The original Apple Pencil cannot be used with models designed for the second-generation Apple Pencil, such as the iPad mini 6 and the most recent iPad Pro and iPad Air devices, and the Apple Pencil 2 cannot be used with previous iPads or entry-level devices such as the regular iPad.
What are the Apple Pencil’s features?
The Apple Pencil offers a robust feature set that enables it to be utilized for any precision work or as a replacement for a finger when browsing iOS.
The following are the must-know features:
- Palm Rejection – When you attach the Apple Pencil to the iPad, it only detects the Apple Pencil tip and not your hand or finger, allowing you to write or doodle comfortably.
- Pressure Sensitivity – A line might be thicker or thinner depending on how much pressure is applied to the iPad while writing or drawing.
Apple does not specify the pressure sensitivity level of the Apple Pencil.
- Tilt Sensitivity – Because the Apple Pencil is designed to behave like a conventional pencil, you can shade with it by holding it at an angle and pressing the side of the tip alongside the iPad.
The Apple Pencil understands its basic orientation and how it is slanted.
- Pencil-Like Weighting – Apple developed the Apple Pencil to feel like a pencil in the hand and to be weighted like a real writing instrument.
- Low Latency – The Apple Pencil has extremely low latency, which means that when you write on the iPad, there is no wait between what you write and what shows on the screen. On iPads with 120Hz panels, Apple Pencil latency is as low as 9ms (the iPad Pro models from 2017 and later).
- Precision – Because the Apple Pencil is precise, it is exact to the pixel. That implies there is no offset between where the pencil is and what is displayed on the screen.
- Easy Pairing – With Apple Pencil, there’s no need to fiddle with Bluetooth. It automatically connects. Simply connect the first version or put in the second version to the iPad Pro.
- Touch Gestures (V2 only) – Touch gestures are supported by the Apple Pencil’s second generation.
The Apple Pencil 2 can move between tools in apps with a double tap, which is ideal for quick switching between a pen tool and an eraser tool, for example.
- Inductive Charging (V2 only) – The iPad Pro charges the Apple Pencil 2.
The Apple Pencil 1 lacks this capability and charges via a Lightning connector.
Where can Apple Pencil be used?
The Apple Pencil may be used as a finger replacement to open apps, scroll, and perform other tasks, but support for the Apple Pencil is also incorporated into iPadOS.
For anyone considering purchasing an Apple Pencil, there are some special characteristics to be aware of.
- Screenshots – If you capture a screenshot on your iPad and then tap it when a preview shows in the corner, you can use the Apple Pencil to draw and write on it using a function called Markup.
- Markup – Markup is an Apple tool that allows you to scribble on screenshots, but it also works in other programs across the operating system.
You can edit photos or PDFs in Mail (excellent for signing papers), draw on photos in Messages, add descriptions and drawings to images in Photos, and edit PDFs in Books.
Apple Pencil is also compatible with a wide range of third-party apps for note taking, drawing, sketching, and other tasks.
You may find these apps by searching for Apple Pencil in the iPad App Store, but we’ve highlighted a few favorites below.
- Procreate ($9.99) – Excellent for sketching, drawing, and creating art.
Beginners will find it simple, while pros will find it strong.
- Notability ($8.99) – For a long time, Notability has been a popular note-taking tool.
It contains numerous tools for writing, sketching, annotating PDFs, and more, as well as a variety of paper styles and the ability to scan documents, record audio recordings, and more.
- Pixelmator ($4.99) – If you enjoy editing photographs on your iPad, Pixelmator is worth a look.
It is compatible with the Apple Pencil, which is an excellent tool for precise editing.
- Pigment (Free with in-app purchases) – If you enjoy coloring and find it calming, there are a plethora of coloring applications for the Apple Pencil available, including Pigment.
- Adobe Fresco – Adobe Fresco is a drawing, painting, and sketching app that also works with the Apple Pencil. It includes a plethora of Photoshop brushes, including live and vector brushes, as well as strong tools for making selections, masking, layering, and more. Although it is free, premium features cost $9.99 to unlock.
- Linea Sketch ($4.99) – If you prefer to scribble down ideas and produce rapid drawings, Linea Sketch is simple to learn and use, with a wide selection of tools at your disposal.
How is the Apple Pencil different from other styluses?
Prior to the release of the Apple Pencil, styluses had either a fine hard tip that was battery driven to trigger the capacitive display of the iPad, or a large, rubber finger-shaped tip that was inaccurate.
Palm rejection was done entirely through software by individual app authors, and it was unreliable; also, connections were made via Bluetooth rather than the automatic procedure used by the Apple Pencil.
Many non-Apple Pencil styluses still have these types of tips that are nowhere near as accurate as the Apple Pencil and cannot offer the same simple charging and palm rejection features, but there are now several more affordable Apple Pencil alternatives that have Apple Pencil-like capability.
What Apple Pencil Alternatives are available?
There are a few non-Apple styluses on the market with some of the same features as the Apple Pencil, but at a lower cost.
These solutions lack the Apple Pencil’s feature set and lack the same elegant style, but the basic functionality is present.
- Logitech Crayon ($55) – Originally intended to be a cheaper version of the Apple Pencil for students to use with the low-cost iPad, the Crayon was designed by Logitech.
Anyone can now access it. It functions similarly to the Apple Pencil, with the same palm rejection, latency, and tilt support, but it lacks pressure sensitivity.
- Adonit Note ($43) – The Adonit Note is comparable to the Apple Pencil in that it has a thin tip, good latency, and palm rejection, but it lacks pressure sensitivity.
- Adonit Note+ ($62) – Like the Adonit Note, the Adonit Note+ has 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity and two customizable shortcut buttons.
Other options include:
- Meko Universal Stylus
- Adonit Pro 4
- KXT Stylus Pencil for iPad
- Adonit Pixel
- JamJake K10 Stylus Pen
- Zagg Pro Stylus
- Adonit Dash 4
What apps are compatible with Apple Pencil?
The Apple Pencil is compatible with any first or third-party app, however it is intended for writing, drawing, and sketching apps that require handwritten material.
The Apple Pencil may also be used to navigate across iPadOS in place of a fingertip.
Is the Apple Pencil worth the money?
The Apple Pencil is absolutely worth the money for anyone who wants to use the iPad for drawing, sketching, note taking, or other similar activities, but for those who don’t need all of the advanced features, there are some similar styluses on the market, such as the much more affordable Logitech Crayon.
Does Apple Pencil work with iPhone?
The Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 are only compatible with iPads and cannot be used with iPhones. The Apple Pencil requires a special display, which iPhones do not have.
Will Apple make an Apple Pencil for iPhone?
There have been reports that Apple may build an iPhone version of the Apple Pencil, however no such product has ever emerged, and rumors concerning an iPhone Apple Pencil have never been constant.
Apple Pencil Not Working
If your Apple Pencil does not connect to your iPad,
Remove the cap from your Apple Pencil (1st generation) and insert it into the Lightning connector on your iPad. Restart your iPad and try pairing again. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in Settings > Bluetooth.
The Best Apple Pencil Apps
- Apple Notes. Before you go into the depths of wonderful third-party apps, remember what Apple Notes can achieve.
- Notability
- Adobe Photoshop.
- AstroPad Standard.
- Linea Sketch.
- GoodNotes 5.
- LiquidText
- Pixelmator
How to find my Apple Pencil
There are a few ways to locate a misplaced Apple Pencil, but you should keep a few factors in mind before beginning your search.
To begin, be certain that you do not turn off Bluetooth on your iPad or the previous connected device.
If you do, the Apple Pencil will detach and enter power saving mode.
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device and navigate to Bluetooth.
- You may also access the Bluetooth settings by opening the Control Center.
- Walk around the area where you believe you used the Apple Pencil last.
- If the Pencil is still attached to your device, it should appear in the Bluetooth list when you are close by.
- The Apple Pencil has a range of 10 to 15 feet, making it easier to search.
Apple Pencil Replacement Tips
Simply compress the old tip between two fingers and turn it counterclockwise until it unscrews. Place the new tip in place and tighten it clockwise.
FAQs
How long does Apple pencil tips last?
There is no stated time limit for wearing out an Apple Pencil.
If you only use your Pencil occasionally, the tip could last for years; if you’re a Procreate pro who draws every day, it might only last six months.
However, the average Apple Pencil user should change the tip at least every two years.
How do you know if Apple Pencil tip is worn?
If the tip of your Apple Pencil becomes scratchy, uneven, or unresponsive, you should replace it.
If you have to press down hard on your iPad to utilize the Apple Pencil, the tip is most likely worn. You may change the tip of your Apple Pencil by gently unscrewing it. More stories can be found in Insider’s Tech Reference database.
Is Apple Pencil charger Available?
Insert your Apple Pencil into the iPad’s Lightning connector. You can also use an Apple USB Power Adapter and the Apple Pencil Charging Adapter that came with your pencil to charge it. Check the Batteries widget to discover how much charge your Apple Pencil has left. See To your Home Screen, add a Batteries widget.
How long does the Apple Pencil battery last?
How long can the Apple Pencil generally be charged?
The Apple Pencil should last roughly 12 hours on a full charge, according to Apple.
If the battery runs out of power, you can charge it for 15 seconds and obtain roughly 30 minutes of use.
Is it worth getting 2nd Gen Apple Pencil?
The Apple Pencil 2 is a significant improvement over the Apple Pencil 1, mainly solely because it can be charged by attaching it to your iPad.
This function alone makes the Apple Pencil worthwhile to purchase.
The Apple Pencil 2 also writes flawlessly and without latency.
It’s quite comfy to hold.
Conclusion
The Apple Pencil is a fantastic wireless stylus for anyone who owns an iPad Pro or an iPad Air.
The Apple Pencil replaces a finger for precision tasks like as writing and sketching, and it may also be used to navigate the operating system. Because it is precise, features palm rejection, and gives pressure and tilt sensitivity, it is ideal for drawing, art production, note taking, and other related jobs.
