William Gallagher
The Apple Pencil refresh shown at today's "There's more in the making" event adds the ability to alter brush stroke width and perform other remote functions by tapping on the device itself, along with automatic pairing and wireless charging.
Formally called the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), the new hardware design drops the previous model's cap at the top. Internally, it adds sensors that can detect when you tap on the body of the Pencil.
That body is no longer perfectly cylindrical: it now features a flat area on one side for tapping on. Depending on the app being used, tapping on the Pencil will change input modes from, for instance, writing to erasing.
Apple has also improved how quickly the Pencil pairs with devices. And the same flat area lets the Pencil snap onto the side of an iPad Pro magnetically and then charge wirelessly.
The new Apple Pencil is available to order online from today and will be in Apple Stores from Wednesday, Nov. 7. It works with the iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd generation) and the 11-inch iPad Pro. It costs $129 and is available with free engraving.
The previous Apple Pencil remains on sale for $99 and is compatible with the first and second generation iPad Pro 12.9 inch, the iPad Pro 10.5 inch, iPad Pro 9.7 inch and sixth generation iPad.
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Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Oliver Haslam
9 Comments
The double-tap is such a much better solution than flipping the pencil for erasing.
Curious to see how it will be compatible for charging with older iPads. Perhaps a Lightning to Qi dongle?
I’m also wondering about compatibility with existing IPad Pros.
After three years I finally lost my Apple Pencil reverse Lightening charge adapter. I’d prefer that the Apple Pencil just charge wirelessly/magneticically from the iPad Pro.
The 12.9” iPad Pro’s battery is so big it charges an Apple Pencil in 10 minutes. Inductive charging should be good enough with the small charge the Apple Pencil needs. No more one of a kind adapters. No more sticking out of the Lightening port. Just go for it. Keep it easy.
Great day for Apple. Mac Mini is awesome. iPad Pro is awesome. Well done. What’s the price? A little worried.