Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil is a writing and drawing tool introduced by Apple in 2015 for iPad. It can detect angle and pressure for a more realistic experience. When used with an M2 iPad Pro, hover states open up a new level of navigation and control in software.
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Apple Pencil is in its second generation, pairing with the modern iPad Pro, the iPad Air 5, and iPad mini 6. The newer model is smaller, has lower latency, and includes a new double-tap gesture.
Even if you are not an artist, the Pencil offers new functionality to every current-generation iPad or iPad Pro. It lets users annotate, draw, or edit with ease and precision.
The original product was widely panned by critics who would quote Steve Jobs: If you see a stylus, you blew it. This quote is often misattributed to styluses in general, while Jobs was referring to smartphones at the time of the first iPhone launch.
Though it is well-known that Jobs hated the idea of needing to keep up with such a tool, it is uncertain whether he would have said the same about Apple Pencil. The iPad is still touch-first and doesn’t rely on a tool for input — it’s optional, which is key.
Usually, the smarts are held within the tablet or drawing device, not the stylus itself. The Apple Pencil runs its own firmware on a tiny curved motherboard, making it unique among styluses.
Apple Pencil 3 Rumors
Little has been shared about the possible next-generation Apple Pencil. Leakers claiming to have images of the device show a glossy plastic finish similar to the first-generation model and a flat side for charging.
No technologies have leaked, but some speculate that a new model could come in different color options or at least a black option.
A different rumor set expected Apple to release a cheaper model powered by the device display similar to the Galaxy S Pen. It would have cost 50 and worked with the 10.9-inch iPad and iPhone models, but it was apparently scrapped at the last moment.
Rumors surrounding the new model have basically disappeared. Either Apple pivoted last minute, or the rumors were poorly sourced, but nothing new has been shared since 2021.
Apple Pencil 2
This Pencil corrects all the cited issues of the first-generation model without too many compromises. It has a matte finish that feels good in the hand, and one side is flat to enable inductive charging via a magnetic attachment to the iPad.
The second-generation model is smaller and has a flat side for charging
A mid-cycle software update enabled the latency to decrease from 20ms to 9ms, aided by an increased refresh rate via ProMotion on iPad Pro. This enables a near-zero-lag writing and drawing experience in most apps.
An added motion coprocessor enables users to perform a double-tap action that performs different functions based on the app. It can switch colors, change tools, or do whatever the user sets based on what the developer provides.
The Apple Pencil is also able to detect the pressure and angle of a stroke to represent it in-app accurately. This means you can go from heavy fine lines to a thick shading line by altering your grip, just as you would with a real pencil.
The second-generation Apple Pencil charges and pairs via a magnetic connector
Some wear and tear issues have come up since the second-generation model’s release. The rounded tip at the bottom of the Pencil seems to be a different material and easily stained.
The flat portion used for charging can get discolored over time as heat from charging causes the plastic to discolor. However, the Pencil itself seems durable and doesn’t seem to break easily without some undue force.
Some users were able to get replacements from Apple if the discoloration was bad enough around the charging connections. New tips are cheap at only 20 for a pack of four.
Scribble
Apple Pencil gained some new tricks in iPadOS 14. You can now use the Pencil to write text into any text-entry block on iPadOS.
The text recognition is instant, placing the typed text in line as you write. Though, it might take some practice to get the writing patterns down for this kind of input.
Scribble converts written words into text
Another small change to the drawing API is that it recognizes shapes as they are drawn, so they can be automatically transformed into better-looking objects upon completion. The user can draw a shape and leave the Pencil resting on the display to see it transform into a perfect version of the object.
Data detection for text has been added as well. Now, if you write down a phone number or address, it will be selectable to make a call or search.
Data detectors work with handwritten notes
Tap-to-select gestures are also available with the Apple Pencil, working as they do in typed text. Tap once to select a word, twice to select a line, and users can copy written text as typed text for pasting into other documents.
When writing in multiple languages, like with Chinese characters, Scribble will automatically detect this when copying and pasting.
Hover
New display technology in the M2 iPad Pro adds a new level of interactivity for Apple Pencil users. Holding the tip of the Pencil just above the display enables different controls or previews to appear depending on the app in use.
Hold the Apple Pencil above an M2 iPad Pro display for new controls
For writing or drawing apps, users will see a preview of the stroke when hovering. So, depending on the tool in use, line thickness, and angle, the hover preview will show exactly what line will be made when the Pencil touches the display.
Other uses include tooltip actions, app controls, and more based on how the developer implements hover actions.
First-generation Apple Pencil
The original Apple Pencil was launched with the first-generation iPad Pro in September 2015. The Apple stylus’ launch was seen as an interesting turn for the tablet line.
Now digital artists could vie for an iPad with full support for drawing and graphic design, offering an entire computing tablet for around the same price as some PC-based drawing tablets.
The first-generation model is still for sale and has propagated down the entire iPad line. It is usable with any recent iPad housing a lightning connector.
The original Apple Pencil was larger with some ergonomic issues
The first-generation model has a larger footprint and removable cap that houses a male lightning connector, which connects directly to the bottom of the iPad. This causes the Pencil to stick out from the bottom of the iPad precariously, leading to users concern over the longevity of such a connection, as the connector may snap off entirely during a charge.
This Apple Pencil had a perfectly cylindrical body and glossy case. It’s a bit thicker than the second-generation model and can feel a bit hard on the fingers after long use.
The Lightning connector wasn’t the most graceful charging mechanism
It has all the same tilt and pressure sensing as the second-generation model but with higher latency. If you use the Pencil on a ProMotion Display, you’ll see less lag overall because of the increased sampling rate, increasing from 120Hz to 240Hz while the Pencil is present.
However, the first-generation Pencil still shows much more lag than the Pencil 2’s own 9ms latency.
Despite bizarre design decisions like how it charges or lack of storage, the first Pencil was quite well-received and is still sold today for use with some iPad models.
Bafflingly, Apple released the 10.9-inch iPad in 2022 that supports only the first-generation Pencil model. Since the tablet has a USB-C port, it needs an adapter to pair and charge the Lightning-based stylus.
SideCar
Users that own a Mac and iPad can take advantage of a system called SideCar. The iPad can become an extended display for the Mac, and some apps even offer special functionality with touch controls and more.
Affinity Photo in SideCar
Drawing apps, photo editors, and other tools take advantage of SideCar to enable a Wacom-like mode that enables users to interact with the Mac app via Apple Pencil. Some apps have special settings areas for setting up controls when using SideCar.
The mode requires no additional hardware and can work either wired or wirelessly.
Apple Pencil Pricing
The first-generation Apple Pencil retails for 99, and the second-generation runs for 129.
How to fix an Apple Pencil that’s not working
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- If your Apple Pencil isn’t working, it might just need to charge.
- If your Apple Pencil still isn’t working after a charge, reset its connection to your iPad and then pair it again.
- You should also make sure that your Apple Pencil and iPad are compatible.
Apple prides itself on making accessories that just work, no fiddling with settings or complicated button layouts required.
That’s why it can be immensely frustrating when one of those accessories — like your Apple Pencil — stops working. Luckily, these issues usually have easy fixes.
How to fix an Apple Pencil that’s not working
Charge it
It sounds too simple to be true, but your Apple Pencil’s batteries might just be dead.
Connect your Apple Pencil to its charger and leave it there for at least an hour. Once you’ve done that, try using it again. If this doesn’t work, try charging it with another charging source, like a different iPad.
Reset its connection
An Apple Pencil won’t work with an iPad that it’s not properly paired with. An Apple Pencil that’s stopped working might be having issues with that connection.
First, unpair it from your iPad.
Open your iPad’s Settings app and tap Bluetooth in the left sidebar.
If you see Apple Pencil as an option underneath My Devices, tap the i icon to the right of its name. If you don’t see your Apple Pencil here, move onto the pairing process.
Important: In this menu, also make sure that Bluetooth is enabled. If it’s not, your Apple Pencil can’t connect.
Tap Forget This Device.
Now, let’s pair it to the iPad again.
- To connect a 1st Generation Apple Pencil, plug it into your iPad’s charging port and then tap Pair when it appears on the screen.
- To connect a 2nd Generation Apple Pencil, latch it onto the side of your iPad and then tap Pair if it appears on the screen.
Now try using your Apple Pencil again.
Make sure your Pencil and iPad are compatible
Not all Apple Pencils work with all iPads. You need to make sure that you have compatible devices, or they’ll never work together.
The 1st Generation Apple Pencil works with:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (first and second generations, released in 2015 and 2017)
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch (released in 2016)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch (released in 2017)
- iPad (sixth generation, released in 2018)
- iPad (seventh generation, released in 2019)
- iPad Air (third generation, released in 2019)
- iPad mini (fifth generation, released in 2019)
- iPad (eighth generation, released in 2020)
The 2nd Generation Apple Pencil works with:
- iPad Pro 11-inch (first, second, and third generations; released in 2018, 2020, and 2021)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third, fourth, and fifth generations; released in 2018, 2020, and 2021)
- iPad Air (fourth generation, released in 2020)
Contact Apple
If all else fails, there might be an issue with your Apple Pencil’s internal hardware. In this case, you’ll need to go to a professional.
Contact Apple by phone, or bring your devices into an Apple Store. They should be able to help you there.
William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He’s also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@insider.com.
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Is the Apple Pencil Really Worth Buying?
This article was originally published in 2019 and was updated in March, 2023.
Curious whether or not the Apple Pencil is worth buying?
Whether you’re a new iPad user or you’ve had one of Apple’s mobile tablets for years, you’ve probably heard about the Apple Pencil.
Since its first release in 2015, Apple’s high-tech, low-profile input device has changed the way iPad users interact with their favorite apps.
Apple has gone out of its way to make sure that the Apple Pencil is more than just another iPad stylus.
But do the benefits really justify the price tag? Is the Apple Pencil worth buying, or is it just a fancy finger replacement for Apple fans?
In this guide, we’ll help you cover the basics of the Apple Pencil and whether it’s worth buying for your specific needs.
#alt#An Apple Pencil 2 (logo visible) sits atop an iPad.
Apple Pencil: The basics
Before we talk about who uses the Apple Pencil, let’s cover the basics.
In short, the Apple Pencil is a touch-sensitive, precision selection tool that functions as a replacement for tapping the screen when used with a compatible iPad. Because it’s the size of an actual pencil — something everyone is familiar with — it fits easily in the hand and feels intuitive to use.
There are currently two versions of the Apple Pencil. Let’s take a closer look at each model:
#alt#The Apple Pencil (1st generation) sits on a table beside an iPad.
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
This was the model that started it all: The original Apple Pencil. The first generation of the Apple Pencil was released in 2015 and is compatible with older iPad models.
Key features
This version of the Apple Pencil offers the following features:
- Pressure-sensitive tip.
- No lag during use.
- Tilt and pressure sensitivity.
- Compatible with a screen protector.
- Doesn’t require a battery pack.
- Completes software updates while charging.
- Contains no moving parts within the casing.
- Works simultaneously with other iPad accessories, like the Apple Smart Keyboard or third-party Bluetooth keyboards.
But it comes with a major downside: To charge the device, you’ll need to plug it into the Lightning port on your iPad.
Even though Apple says it only takes about 15 minutes to charge the device, charging the first-generation Apple Pencil feels clumsy and awkward. Some users even prefer to buy female port adapters for the lightning connector — like this one on Amazon — to avoid charging the Apple Pencil via the iPad.
Compatibility
The first generation of the Apple Pencil is compatible with all versions of iOS, as well as the following devices:
- iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generations).
- iPad Air (3rd generation).
- iPad mini (5th generation).
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generations).
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch.
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch.
#caption# Image: nyc russ / Alamy Stock Photo
#alt#An Apple Pencil (2nd generation) sits on a yellow table beside its original packaging.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
The second-generation Apple Pencil is the current model of the product, and Apple seems to have hit its stride with this updated version.
Key features
This version of the iPad offers the following features:
- Pressure-sensitive tip.
- No lag during use.
- Tilt and pressure sensitivity.
- Change tools with the double-tap gesture.
- Compatible with a screen protector.
- Doesn’t require a battery pack.
- Completes software updates while charging.
- Contains no moving parts within the casing.
- Wireless charging and pairing.
- Magnetic attachment using ferrite magnets.
- Works simultaneously with other iPad accessories, like the Apple Smart Keyboard or third-party Bluetooth keyboards.
This version of the Apple Pencil comes with a smooth, matte finish rather than the plastic casing on the first-generation model.
Overall, the device feels sturdier and nicer to hold, and the new material allows Apple to offer free engraving if you want to personalize your Apple Pencil. Rather than a fully cylindrical body, this version also features a flat side to prevent it from rolling away.
Because this Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to your iPad and charges wirelessly, it’s easy to park it on the side of your iPad and use it when you need it.
But, be warned: While the magnetic adhesion feels firm, it isn’t foolproof. The Apple Pencil can be knocked off your iPad with relatively little effort, and some accessories can interfere with charging.
You may also need to rethink your case selection if you want the Apple Pencil to accompany your iPad in its magnetically locked position. If the case doesn’t have a spot for the stylus, you’ll have to keep track of it separately.
Compatibility
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generations).
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations).
- iPad Air (4th and 5th generations).
- iPad mini (6th generation).
#alt#Architect Luis Furushio’s desk set up including two iPads, an Apple Pencil, glasses, and a cup of coffee.
Major benefits
Going beyond the technical details, the Apple Pencil offers a few major advantages over your fingers when it comes to interacting with your iPad.
#alt#An iPad screen featuring hand-drawn hands holding a cup of tea reading “brew your own positivitea.” Elizabeth Gray holds an Apple Pencil beside the iPad.
Improved versatility
Hands and fingers are great for a lot of things, but they’re clumsy and awkward when compared to the precision that we get from using specialized tools.
And we’re not just talking about the Apple Pencil! That’s true for any tool — stylus or otherwise.
With the Apple Pencil, you’ll have finer-grained control over your hand movements. This allows you to use your iPad in new and exciting ways, from writing and journaling all the way to drawing and digital design.
Protip: You can add even more versatility and control when using your Apple Pencil by picking up a Paperlike. Our screen protectors emulate the feel of paper. Combined with the Apple Pencil, drawing and writing on your iPad feels just like working in a sketchbook or physical notebook.
#alt#Victoria Pritchard’s hand holds an Apple Pencil as she draws a face on her iPad.
Pressure tilt sensitivity
Another major advantage of the Apple Pencil comes down to sensitivity when touching the stylus to your screen.
Teardowns of Apple Pencil units have shown that the device isn’t capacitive — meaning that it doesn’t conduct a charge through the screen like your finger does when you touch the iPad. Instead, the Apple Pencil uses emitters to determine angle, tilt sensitivity, and applied pressure.
That’s a major difference between what you’ll see in third party styluses for Android and iPad devices, which may only provide limited pressure sensitivity — if they even offer it at all.
Because the tip of the Apple Pencil understands how hard or soft you press against the screen, it’s possible for iPad users to create everything from handwritten text to incredible digital artwork, like lettering and calligraphy, without any other specialized tool.
What’s more: Many app developers have also discovered how to take advantage of these unique features.
- With creative apps like Procreate or Adobe Fresco (comparison here), artists can adjust the size, texture, and consistency of the brushes and erasers they use to paint and draw.
- Notetakers using GoodNotes 5 or Notability (comparison here) can emphasize key points in their notes by pressing down harder while using the fountain pen tool.
While Apple hasn’t revealed any pressure sensitivity levels for the Apple Pencil, the stylus is diverse enough that professional artists are able to create incredible works of digital art without resorting to specialized equipment like Wacom tablets or expensive desktops.
#alt# Image of an iPad with a design that says, “Forever Bettering My Lettering” with a hand holding an Apple Pencil over it.
Who uses the Apple Pencil?
Without a doubt, there are a ton of uses for the Apple Pencil, and many consider it to be a must-have Apple product and the best stylus on the market.
While it might not seem like a fit for the everyday user at first glance, the Apple Pencil is a nifty little gadget when placed in the right hands.
So who thinks the Apple Pencil is worth buying? Let’s take a look at some specific use cases to find out.
#alt# Image of an iPad with a drawing of snails wearing sunglasses in a car, with a hand holding an Apple Pencil over it.
Artists
The Apple Pencil gives artists almost everything they need to sketch, draw, and colorize artwork on their touchscreen device. This is because the Apple iPad supports technologies like palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, both of which are fundamental to most digital artists.
Combine that with an active imagination and a few powerful artistic apps like Procreate, Affinity Photo, or Photoshop for iPad and you’ve got everything you need to start creating amazing digital art.
You can even grab a Paperlike screen protector to make the surface of the iPad feel like real paper.
This combination of hardware and software makes your Apple devices powerful enough to compete with dedicated drawing tools like the Wacom Cintiq. The iPad apps, combined with features built into the iPadOS software, save Apple users from a hefty investment into specialized hardware.
After all, why purchase a dedicated art device when the iPad can get the job done at no additional charge?
That’s especially true when you use the macOS Sidecar feature or an app like Astropad Studio (for increased low latency performance) to transform your iPad into a graphics tablet for your MacBook while still using the Apple Pencil as your primary stylus.
Keeping professional artists out of unnecessary investments and allowing hobbyists to improve their craft by utilizing technology that they already own makes the Apple Pencil a worthwhile purchase for millions of iPad users.
#alt# A college student takes notes using an iPad and Apple Pencil.
Students teachers
Digital technology has a variety of uses in the classroom. It can help young students explore their creative side, stay organized, and learn using interactive tools.
For high school and college students, leveraging the iPad with notetaking apps like Evernote, Microsoft OneNote (comparison here!) or any of the other great notetaking apps in the App Store can help learners capture detailed, handwritten notes, and organize their digital classwork.
Accessories like our own Paperlike for iPad can improve this experience further by helping students take neater and more precise notes.
But that’s only scratching the surface of what the Apple Pencil can do for students. Many modern educational apps use advanced technologies like augmented reality and Cloud computing to provide unique educational opportunities while keeping students and teachers even better connected.
A great example of an app packing this tech is Froggipedia, which allows students to use the Apple Pencil as a scalpel to digitally dissect and explore the inner workings of frog anatomy all through the view of the high-resolution retina display.
Taking a step in the opposite direction, apps like Showbie help teachers run a paperless classroom while the Apple Pencil allows them to mark up homework and grade quizzes without leafing through endless stacks of paper.
Thanks to creative app developers and their initiatives in education, the Apple Pencil is worth buying for teachers and students who want the best tools possible for an efficient and immersive classroom experience.
#alt# Image of a woman holding an iPad and writing on it with an Apple Pencil.
Musicians
Beginning pianists and professional musicians alike love the iPad for its ability to store sheet music and connect with modern electronic instruments like keyboards and guitars.
Plus, incredible apps like Simply Piano, Flowkey, and others make it easier than ever to learn a new instrument.
So, where does the Apple Pencil come in? Musicians find the Apple Pencil useful when annotating and marking up music. Any musician will tell you that writing the fingerings for a tricky chord or highlighting a change in time signature is a major help when committing those details to memory.
The Apple Pencil works in conjunction with sheet music apps like forScore to make annotations simple, easy, and convenient.
If you want to go even further, the Apple Pencil can play a key role in creating your own music. Apps like StaffPad allow you to create brand new sheet music completely from scratch! With the Apple Pencil, you’ll simply add your notations to an empty page and StaffPad’s handwriting recognition will transform your marks to a professional-looking musical score.
For maximum flexibility, a Paperlike can make this process even better by replacing the slick, glassy surface of the iPad with something that feels like real paper so that your strokes stay quick and precise.
No matter where you are in your musical pursuits, the Apple Pencil rounds out the complete digital kit for musicians who want to ditch physical books while still customizing their music to suit their unique, personal style.
#alt# Image of an overhead view of a desk set up with a monitor, keyboard, and iPad as a second monitor.
Business users
In many office environments, laptops are often seen as a distraction — to the point that some companies disallow laptops during meetings because workers can become preoccupied with their screens.
Used for notetaking (especially with an Apple Pencil and a Paperlike to round out the experience), the iPad can serve as a middle ground where notes can be made without obstructing the user’s line of sight.
Plus, the iPad’s lighter weight and enhanced mobility, coupled with the ability to connect to large monitors and display devices, make it an ideal candidate as a meeting presentation tool.
Where the Apple Pencil shines in a business situation actually has little to do with the technology itself and everything to do with managing the one thing that every business person hates to deal with: paperwork.
File digitization has gotten more popular, and the iPad boosts productivity in this area by giving iPad users the tools they need to actually interact with the documents that now exist in a digital format.
Looking for a great example? Check out PDF Expert. Grab an Apple Pencil and open the app. Suddenly it’s easy to mark up, redesign, and digitally sign PDF documents on the fly, whether you’re meeting with business partners, negotiating with clients, or trying to get a little more work done while lounging in your favorite recliner at home.
You can even take your business in an entirely new direction. One of our Paperlike artists, Guillaume Wiatr, uses the Apple Pencil and iPad Pro to help business leaders better understand how to refine their messaging through a process known as “graphic facilitation.”
It’s just another innovation that makes the Apple Pencil worth the investment.
#alt# Image of an iPad with a drawing of two people on it, sitting on a Paperlike package.
FAQ
Do I really need an iPad stylus?
Above, we covered some of the main use cases for the Apple Pencil based on profession and career choice. But what about the everyday user who just wants to play with their iPad after a long day on the job?
If that’s you, we have to ask: How do you feel about coloring?
Adult coloring books took off a few years ago and the trend is stronger now than ever. Thanks to apps like Pigment for the Apple iPhone and iPad, it’s possible to color while on the go.
Outside of singular use cases where your favorite apps have really taken advantage of the technology, it’s impossible to say whether or not the Apple Pencil would be a great fit for you.
That’s one reason that we recommend looking around to see if the apps you use every day are made even better by the Apple Pencil.
At the end of the day, the Apple Pencil is designed to be a precision input and selection tool. It gives users the ability to more precisely touch, select, and interact with the surface of their iPad. This can help when you’re taking notes with the Apple Notes app or drawing with a program like Adobe Fresco or Procreate.
If you’re just browsing the internet and sending the occasional email, the Apple Pencil might not be for you — and that’s okay. There are dozens of other iPad accessories out there, from the Magic Keyboard to the Airpods Pro, that might be better suited to your needs.
Is the Apple Pencil the best iPad stylus?
Yes, and it comes down to how the iPad and Apple Pencil work together to provide accurate inputs.
When you draw on your iPad, the screen reacts to the electric charge that your body produces naturally. Many Apple Pencil alternatives use capacitive rubber to emulate this effect.
The Apple Pencil doesn’t do that. Instead, it uses a set of emitters to broadcast the precise position, tilt, and pressure of your Apple Pencil to your iPad.
This approach means that the Apple Pencil provides pixel-perfect information to your iPad in real time, and that information translates to better precision and performance for you.
The downside to this approach is that you need the right Apple Pencil for your device. The first generation Apple Pencil doesn’t work across all iPad Pro models, for example.
Likewise, you won’t be able to use your Apple Pencil on other devices (like a Samsung Galaxy or a Microsoft tablet). It simply isn’t compatible in the way that a device using traditional, capacitive technology will be.
Is the battery life in the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) worse than in the Apple Pencil (1st generation)?
In some ways, this question is irrelevant since you’ll need to pick up the stylus that is compatible with your device.
Though you’ll find several sources indicating that both Apple Pencils are designed to last for 12 hours, Apple has never confirmed this publically.
However, users across various forums have complained that the battery on the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) dies more quickly than the previous model.
This downside is largely offset by the fact that the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is designed to adhere to the side of the iPad and charge magnetically. While the battery life might be shorter, charging is much more convenient.
Are there any accessories for the Apple Pencil?
For the first generation of the Apple Pencil, you could find stylus holders, specialized cases, and other goodies designed to offset some shortfalls in the design (like not having a great place to store it).
While many of those issues have been solved with the second generation Apple Pencil, there are still a few accessories worth considering:
- Pencil grips. Just like holding a regular pencil, working with the Apple Pencil can get tiring after a while. Exhaustion can lead to hand cramps and fatigue. Pencil grips can help to offset this problem. You’ll find several aftermarket options, but we’re partial to our own Paperlike Pencil Grips, which are designed for maximum comfort and precision while writing and drawing.
- Pencil cases. Think of pencil cases as a full-body sleeve for your Apple Pencil. There are plenty of options available from third party manufacturers. Keep in mind that these cases may change the look, shape, and feel of your Apple Pencil.
- Replacement nibs. Sometimes, nibs break or get scuffed through regular use. If you’re worried about that, it can be useful to have some replacement nibs on hand. Apple sells a 4-pack through their online store, and there are some aftermarket options available. Take care with 3rd party options, however, as they may be made of different materials and could potentially damage your devices.
You can find a ton of variety on Amazon and through tech accessory shops, but make sure that what you pick up won’t damage your device or stop it from charging properly.
#caption#Image: Deniz Kurtoglu / Paperlike
#alt#A title card featuring the question, “Is the Apple Pencil really worth buying?”
Is the Apple Pencil worth buying?
For what it does, the Apple Pencil is worth the investment.
While it might not be a great fit for every single user, we believe that the Apple Pencil is worth the investment for users who want to do more with their iPad. The enhanced precision and added versatility unlock the device in ways that just aren’t accessible without it.
In our view, the Apple Pencil turns the iPad from a luxury multimedia device into a robust productivity and learning tool. It empowers users to explore technology in new and exciting ways, and that’s something we support.
It’s definitely worth a look.
And don’t forget! Whether you’ve got an Apple Pencil, a Logitech Crayon, or any other compatible iPad stylus, you can make your iPad screen feel like real paper with a Paperlike screen protector and improve your writing and drawing experience with a set of Paperlike Pencil Grips.
Maximize the power of your iPad with an Apple Pencil and Paperlike.
Which iPads does the Apple Pencil 1 and 2 work with?
No, you cannot use the Apple pencil on just any iPad. There are two types of Apple Pencils: Apple Pencil First Generation, and Apple Pencil Second Generation. And each one is compatible with specific iPad models.
Apple Pencil 1st Generation
Apple made the 1st Gen Pencil in 2015 as an accessory for the 1st generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch and the smaller iPad Pro 9.7-inch. This Pencil pairs and charges through its lightning connector (located at the top end).
To charge it, you need to plug the pencil into the lightning connector on your iPad. But you can also charge it via USB using the Apple Pencil Charging Adapter that comes in the box. It has a round body with a smooth finish and uses tips (also called “nibs”) that cover its pressure sensors.
Which iPads are compatible with Apple Pencil 1st Generation?
Since 2015, Apple has extended support for this Pencil to several iPad models. As of this moment in 2021, you can write and draw on the following iPads using the Apple Pencil 1st Gen.
- The iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation (released November 2015)
- The iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation (released June 2017)
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch (released in March 2016)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch (released in June 2017)
- iPad Air 3rd generation 10.5-inch (released in March 2019)
- iPad 9th generation (released September 2021)
- iPad 8th generation (released September 2020)
- iPad 7th generation 10.2-inch (released September 2019)
- iPad 6th generation 9.7-inch (released March 2018)
- iPad Mini 5th generation 7.9-inch (released March 2019)
Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
The Apple Pencil 2 comes with slightly improved ergonomics. It has a matte finish and one flat side for improved handling. In addition, the flat surface has touch capacitors that can detect double taps when drawing, to change tools.
The Apple Pencil 2 is shorter and evenly weighted, to mimic the feel of a real pencil. You can attach it magnetically to the top side of the iPad Pro, for pairing or wireless charging. Apple pencil 2 uses the same replaceable nibs as the Apple pencil 1 (the tips/nibs cover the tilt and pressure sensors).
Which iPads are compatible with Apple Pencil 2nd Generation?
As of this date, Apple Pencil 2nd Generation works with the following iPads:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th generation (released in May 2021)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 4th generation (released in March 2020)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation (released in November 2018)
- iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd generation (released May 2021)
- iPad Pro 11-inch 2nd generation (released in March 2020)
- iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation (released in November 2018)
- iPad Air 4th generation (released October 2020)
- iPad Air 5th Generation (released March 2022)
- iPad mini 6th generation (Released September 2021)
Apple Pencil frequently asked questions
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