How to know when it’s time to replace your Apple Pencil tip

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The Apple Pencil is a nifty little gadget that lets you draw and doodle on all kinds of Apple tablets. Now that the iPhone Duo allows Apple Pencils to be used with an iPhone model, the popularity of the gadget will definitely see a spike. However, just because it’s a tool that interfaces with digital screens doesn’t mean it can’t wear down like a normal pencil. When using Apple’s signature stylus, there are a few signs you should follow to stay aware of wear and tear.

There are a whole range of Apple Pencils on the market, from Pro to USB-C (not to mention the older first and second generations of the Pencil). Despite this variety of models, the removable tip of an Apple Pencil is a common point among these many styluses. With that in mind, there are a number of common signs that indicate if your pencil is almost at the end of its rope.

Although using an Apple Pencil won’t burn graphite, the pencil tip will still take on a more irregular shape over time, as opposed to the uniform roundness of a new tip. As a pencil wears, using it will produce more friction and the tip will feel rougher to the touch. Eventually, the tip of an Apple Pencil will wear down enough to expose the metal underneath – in which case you’ll definitely need a replacement.

If you don’t keep a close eye on your pencil, this will likely manifest itself first as increased friction, but your tip will also lose connectivity over time, which you’ll definitely notice as you go. As these problems pile up, sooner or later you’ll want to move on to a new tip – and hopefully before you accidentally scratch your screen. Generally, you’ll want to replace your tips every two years, although avid users may need a replacement in less than a year.

Despite the differences in features and prices between different Apple Pencils, all of these models have fairly similar levels of sturdiness, both in terms of battery and durability. The Apple Pencil’s tips are the major factor in this equation; Fortunately, they can be easily replaced.

Apple sells pencil tips in packs of four for $19, compatible with all brands of Apple Pencil. It’s easy enough to buy them every once in a while to keep your pencil in shape, but the replaceable nature of Apple Pencil tips leaves third-party options wide open. Brands like PenTips and Delidigi offer alternatives that emphasize aspects like drawing feel and writing feel, respectively; the PenTips Lite offers great precision for drawing (good enough quality for Disney artists) while the Delidigi Fine Point not only lasts a long time, but offers precision with a ballpoint pen feel.