And which one will work with your iPad?
Since its introduction in 2015, the Apple Pencil has become an indispensable gadget for its users. Die-hard fans will tell you the stylus has revolutionized the way they use their tablet, expanding creative possibilities and maximizing their iPad experience. However, with four generations of products on the market, it’s understandable that customers have some reservations about finding the Apple Pencil that’s right for them.
Deciphering the Apple Pencil lineup can be difficult. One of the reasons for this difficulty is that Apple sells four generations of styluses whose differences are not very visually visible. For example, the two most recent iterations, the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), feature similar dimensions. Additionally, the two styluses look quite similar beyond the latter’s USB-C charging port. Feature-wise, both offer a premium pen experience, delivering “pixel-perfect precision” with low latency rates. Add in a hover feature that lets you preview your pen markings and tilt sensitivity that allows for shading and other visual effects, and both Apple Pencils deliver a refined experience capable of taking your iPad use to new heights.
That said, the generation of Apple Pencil you choose can have a major effect on your experience. While both models are capable styluses, the Apple Pencil Pro offers several feature upgrades worth considering. Of course, these improvements come at a price. As it stands, the Apple Pencil Pro costs $50 more than its Apple Pencil (USB-C) counterpart, with models selling for $129 and $79, respectively.
Whether its improved features are worth the extra money will likely depend on your intended use. If you’re a student who just needs the stylus to take notes in class, the standard Apple Pencil will probably meet most of your needs. But artists and creatives looking for an Apple Pencil with a greater sense of control might find the Apple Pencil Pro worth it. Which one you choose will likely depend on your budget, iPad model, and daily usage. And as if that wasn’t confusing enough, European regulations could force Apple to introduce an updated range including replaceable batteries. For now, though, let’s compare the latest models to decide if upgrading to an Apple Pencil Pro is right for you.
The Apple Pencil Pro brings a host of new features, but are they worth it?
Apple Pencil Pro lets you take advantage of several advanced features that can enhance your styling experience. One example is the increased pen pressure sensitivity, which lets you adjust the thickness and darkness of lines based on how much pressure you put on the pen as you write. Another feature, called “Barrel Roll,” lets you change the orientation of your brush tools. By simply rotating the barrel as you draw, the pen will mimic the changing orientation of a paintbrush. This feature uses a gyroscope to give you greater control over your pen markings.
Another useful addition is the pencil squeeze function. With Apple Pencil Pro, users can switch between creative tools by squeezing the pen body. This action opens a palette, allowing users to seamlessly switch between colors, stroke weights, and brushes. You can also make these changes using the pen’s double-click feature, where tapping its base twice in succession lets you switch between media, such as switching from a pen to an eraser and vice-versa. Many of these features are supported by the pen’s haptic feedback system, which emits gentle pulses through the pen body to confirm the execution of a tap or double tap.
In addition to these creative features, the Apple Pencil Pro adds several elements that make using the Pencil more convenient. For example, users can now charge their Apple Pencil wirelessly when they magnetically attach it to the side of their tablet. This means you won’t have to worry about plugging in another gadget every night. Instead, the Apple Pencil Pro is stored and charged the same way, removing another barrier between you and your creations.
Another logistical change is that your Apple Pencil Pro can now integrate with your Find My app, allowing you to easily find your stylus if you misplace it. Apple also lets you engrave your Apple Pencil Pro for free, avoiding any questions of mistaken identity. It’s unclear whether Cupertino’s engineering team has figured out how to keep its products from hiding in the creases of your couch cushion.
Is your Apple Pencil compatible?
Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself when purchasing an Apple Pencil is: what products should I use it with? Since the Apple Pencil Pro is a relatively new product, it is only compatible with a select group of iPads. Additionally, consumers using older iPads may need to opt for even older Apple Pencil models than the Apple Pencil USB-C.
As it currently stands, the Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the following iPad models:
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, M5)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, M5)
- iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, M4)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Consumers who prefer to opt for the Apple Pencil (USB-C) can use their product on a wider range of iPads. The full list of tablets compatible with Apple Pencil (USB-C) includes:
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, M5)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, M5)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th generation)
- iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, M4)
- iPad Air (4th, 5th generation)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (10th generation)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
If you’re using an older version of Apple’s flagship tablet, you can check out the guide on Apple’s support page to find the right Apple Pencil for you. There you can evaluate the compatibility of the four Apple Pencil models.
