Choosing between the Apple Pencil 2 and the new Apple Pencil Pro can be tricky for iPad users. The Apple Pencil Pro costs about $40-100 more than the 2nd generation model, depending on your location. The Pencil Pro adds several new features over the Pencil 2, including squeeze gestures, barrel roll capability, and haptic feedback that make it more versatile for artists and note-takers.
Both pencils offer precision and low latency, but they differ in their compatibility with iPad models. The Apple Pencil Pro builds on the foundation of the 2nd generation pencil with more ways to interact with your iPad. These added features might be worth the price difference for those who use their iPad for drawing or detailed work regularly.
Apple Pencil 2 vs Apple Pencil Pro: Comparison Guide
Apple offers multiple stylus options for iPad users, with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the newer Apple Pencil Pro being the top contenders. Both are designed to enhance creativity, note-taking, and productivity, but they differ in features, compatibility, and price. This guide compares the two to help you decide which Apple Pencil suits your needs best.
Design and Build
| Feature | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Slim, cylindrical with flat edge | Slightly thicker, more ergonomic with textured grip |
| Weight | Light and balanced | Slightly heavier for better control |
| Finish | Matte white | Matte with subtle texture for grip |
| Charging Method | Magnetic attach & wireless charging on iPad | Magnetic attach & wireless charging; improved battery efficiency |
Compatibility
| Feature | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible iPads | iPad Pro (3rd gen and later), iPad Air (4th gen and later), iPad mini (6th gen), iPad (9th gen and later) | Compatible with all Apple Pencil 2 supported iPads plus upcoming new models with enhanced features |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 with faster pairing and lower latency |
Features and Performance
| Feature | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Sensitivity | Yes (over 4,000 levels) | Yes (same levels with improved precision) |
| Tilt Sensitivity | Yes | Yes, with enhanced tilt detection |
| Gestures | Double tap to switch tools | Barrel roll gesture (rotate pencil to control brush or pen tools) plus customizable gestures |
| Internal Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope | New internal gyroscope enabling advanced gestures and better motion tracking |
| Latency | ~9ms | Reduced latency (~5ms) for more natural drawing |
| Battery Life | ~12 hours | Slightly improved battery life with faster charging |
Additional Features
- Apple Pencil Pro introduces a barrel roll gesture, allowing users to rotate the pencil to switch between pen and brush tools or adjust brush size dynamically, enhancing creative control.
- Both support wireless charging by magnetically attaching to compatible iPads.
- The Pro model’s internal gyroscope enables more immersive drawing and handwriting experiences.
Price
| Model | Approximate Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apple Pencil 2 | $129 |
| Apple Pencil Pro | $179 – $199 |
Which Should You Buy?
- Choose Apple Pencil 2 if:
- You want a reliable, precise stylus with excellent performance.
- You don’t need advanced gestures beyond double tap.
- You prefer a lighter, simpler design.
- You want a more budget-friendly option.
- Choose Apple Pencil Pro if:
- You are a professional artist or designer who benefits from advanced gestures like barrel roll.
- You want the latest tech with reduced latency and enhanced motion sensors.
- You want the best possible integration with upcoming iPad features.
- You don’t mind paying a premium for extra creative control.
Conclusion
Both the Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro are excellent tools for iPad users, but the Pro model brings next-level features tailored for creative professionals seeking more control and responsiveness. For everyday users and students, the Apple Pencil 2 remains a highly capable and cost-effective choice.
Sources:
- iMore: Apple Pencil Pro vs Pencil 2
- ZDNet: Apple Pencil Pro vs Apple Pencil 2
- PCMag: Apple Pencil Gen 1 vs Gen 2 vs USB-C vs Pro
Key Takeaways
- The Apple Pencil Pro costs more but adds squeeze gestures, barrel roll, and haptic feedback not found in the Pencil 2.
- Both pencils offer pixel-perfect precision, but compatibility varies across different iPad models.
- Your choice should depend on how you use your iPad and whether the Pro’s advanced features justify its higher price.
Evolution of Apple Pencil
Apple’s digital stylus has transformed significantly since its first release, adding new features and capabilities with each generation to better serve artists, note-takers, and designers.
Apple Pencil Origins
The original Apple Pencil launched in 2015 alongside the first iPad Pro. This white plastic stylus brought pressure sensitivity and tilt detection to iPad users for the first time. It featured a Lightning connector under a removable cap for charging and pairing.
The first Apple Pencil wasn’t perfect. Users often complained about the awkward charging method that required plugging it directly into the iPad’s port. It also had a perfectly round design that could roll off tables easily.
Despite these flaws, it revolutionized how people used iPads. Digital artists could create with precision, and note-takers found it more natural than fingertip input. Its latency was remarkably low for its time, making writing feel responsive.
Apple Pencil 2nd Generation
Apple released the Apple Pencil 2 in 2018, addressing many complaints about the original model. This version introduced magnetic attachment to the iPad’s side, which also handled wireless charging and pairing simultaneously.
The 2nd Gen Pencil added a flat edge to prevent rolling and included a double-tap feature that let users quickly switch between tools. This made creating digital art and taking notes much more efficient.
It maintained the same pressure sensitivity and tilt detection as the original but improved latency. The matte finish also provided better grip during extended use sessions.
This model became extremely popular with iPad users because it eliminated the need for separate charging. When not in use, it simply clicked to the side of compatible iPads.
Introducing Apple Pencil Pro
In 2023, Apple unveiled the Apple Pencil Pro, their most advanced stylus yet. This model retained the magnetic attachment and wireless charging while adding several powerful new features.
The Pro model introduced a squeeze function that lets users quickly switch between tools and colors without tapping the screen. This feature was specifically designed to work with newer iPad Pro models.
It also supports hover functionality with M2 iPad Pro models. This allows users to see exactly where their mark will appear before the Pencil touches the screen – a huge advantage for precise work.
The Pro version includes haptic feedback, giving users a physical sensation when using certain tools or functions. This adds a tactile element that makes digital creation feel more natural and responsive.
Design and Ergonomics
The Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro offer distinct design features that impact the user experience. Their physical construction, comfort level, and materials all play crucial roles in how artists and note-takers interact with their iPad devices.
Physical Appearance
The Apple Pencil 2 sports a clean, minimalist design with a matte white finish and a flat edge on one side. This flat edge serves two purposes – it prevents the pencil from rolling off surfaces and enables magnetic attachment to compatible iPads. The pencil measures about 6.53 inches (166mm) in length with a diameter of 0.35 inches (8.9mm).
The Apple Pencil Pro features a similar white finish but introduces subtle design changes. It has a slightly more tapered tip and maintains the flat edge for magnetic attachment. The Pro version also includes a hidden button interface that appears when squeezed, adding new functionality without disrupting the clean aesthetic.
Both models lack physical buttons on their surface, maintaining a sleek look.
Comfort and Grip
The Apple Pencil 2 offers good grip thanks to its matte finish, which helps prevent slipping during extended use. Its weight distribution feels natural in hand, mimicking the feel of a traditional pencil while maintaining digital precision.
In contrast, the Apple Pencil Pro introduces new ergonomic features like the Barrel Roll twist capability. This innovation lets users change tools or settings by simply twisting the pencil between their fingers. The Pro model maintains the comfortable weight and balance of its predecessor.
Both pencils weigh approximately 0.73 ounces (20.7 grams), making them light enough for hours of use without causing hand fatigue. Neither includes add-on grips, as their designs prioritize a clean aesthetic.
Material and Build Quality
Both pencils feature high-quality plastic exteriors that resist fingerprints and maintain their appearance over time. The materials feel premium and durable, worthy of their price points.
The Apple Pencil 2’s body is seamless except for the flat edge. Its construction has proven reliable over years of use by professionals and students alike. The tip can be replaced when worn, extending the pencil’s useful life.
The Apple Pencil Pro maintains this build quality while adding internal components for its squeeze and barrel roll features. These additions don’t compromise the structural integrity or feel of the device. The Pro version also features replaceable tips, ensuring longevity.
Neither pencil is water-resistant, so users should keep them away from liquids. Both can handle everyday bumps and minor drops without issue.
Compatibility and Connectivity
Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro offer different compatibility options and connection features. Understanding which iPad models work with each pencil and how they charge can help you make the right choice for your needs.
Supported iPad Models
The Apple Pencil 2 works with a specific range of iPad models. It’s compatible with the iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generations), and older iPad Pro models.
However, the Apple Pencil Pro is designed specifically for the newest iPad Pro models with M4 chips. This is an important difference to note if you’re buying a new iPad Pro.
According to recent discussions, the Apple Pencil 2 is not fully compatible with the new iPad Pro M4 models. While some users report it may work for basic functions, the magnetic charging feature doesn’t function properly with the newest iPads.
Pairing and Synchronization
The Apple Pencil 2 uses a simple pairing process. Users just attach it to the side of a compatible iPad, and it pairs automatically through magnetic connection. This makes setup quick and hassle-free.
The Apple Pencil Pro takes this a step further. It also uses magnetic pairing but adds enhanced features. When paired with compatible iPads, it enables special functions like the squeeze feature to switch between tools and colors.
Both pencils maintain a stable connection once paired. They reconnect automatically when the iPad wakes up, making them ready to use without additional steps.
Charging Mechanisms
The Apple Pencil 2 charges wirelessly by attaching magnetically to the side of compatible iPads. This convenient feature eliminates the need for separate charging accessories or cables.
For the newest iPad Pro M4 users, there’s a key limitation: the Apple Pencil 2 won’t charge magnetically on these devices. Users would need a separate charger for the Pencil 2.
The Apple Pencil Pro features the same magnetic charging capability but is designed specifically to work with the newest iPad models. It aligns perfectly with the new iPad Pro’s magnetic strip for reliable charging.
Both models offer good battery life and charge quickly. A few minutes of charging typically provides enough power for hours of use.
Performance and Precision
The Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil 2 differ significantly in their performance capabilities. These differences affect drawing accuracy, writing smoothness, and overall user experience across various iPad models.
Pressure Sensitivity
Both the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil 2 offer excellent pressure sensitivity that responds to how hard you press against the screen. The Apple Pencil Pro provides upgraded features that enhance the drawing experience, particularly for artists and designers.
When sketching with light pressure, both pencils create thin, delicate lines. Pressing harder creates bolder, thicker strokes. This natural behavior mimics traditional drawing tools.
The Pro model offers more sensitivity levels than the Apple Pencil 2. This means smoother transitions between light and heavy pressure. Artists notice these differences most when shading or creating detailed artwork.
Digital artists report the Pro feels more natural in hand. The extra sensitivity helps capture subtle variations in line weight that the Pencil 2 might miss.
Tilt Functionality
Tilt sensitivity allows users to create different effects by angling the pencil, just like a real pencil or brush. Both models support this feature, though with some differences in implementation.
The Apple Pencil 2 offers good tilt detection that works well for shading techniques. When tilted, it creates broader strokes similar to using the side of a pencil lead.
The Apple Pencil Pro takes tilt functionality further with improved sensors. The enhanced tilt detection provides more accurate responses to angle changes, resulting in more precise shading effects.
Artists can achieve more realistic brush strokes with the Pro model. The tilt data combines with the squeeze function to quickly switch between tools and styles without interrupting workflow.
Latency and Responsiveness
Latency—the delay between moving the pencil and seeing results on screen—is crucial for a natural writing experience. Both pencils perform exceptionally well in this area.
The Apple Pencil 2 delivers impressive 9ms latency on compatible iPads. This makes writing feel responsive and immediate in most situations. Notes appear as you write with almost no noticeable delay.
The Apple Pencil Pro maintains the same excellent 9ms latency but adds optimizations for newer iPad Pro models. The pencil’s upgraded hardware works with the iPad’s ProMotion display for ultra-smooth performance.
Users who switch rapidly between writing and drawing notice the Pro’s advantage. Quick gestures and fast strokes register more accurately without lag or missed inputs. For precise technical drawing or detailed artwork, this responsiveness makes a significant difference.
Advanced Functionalities
Both Apple Pencil models offer unique capabilities, but the Apple Pencil Pro introduces several groundbreaking features that significantly enhance how users interact with their iPads. These innovations transform the drawing and writing experience through intuitive controls and feedback systems.
Gesture Controls
The Apple Pencil Pro introduces a revolutionary squeeze function that allows users to quickly switch between tools or colors without interrupting their workflow. This new gesture replaces and expands upon the double-tap feature found in the Apple Pencil 2.
With the Apple Pencil 2, users can only double-tap the flat side to switch between the current tool and eraser or to show the color palette. This simple gesture provides basic convenience but offers limited options.
In contrast, the Pro version adds barrel roll capabilities along with the squeeze function. The built-in gyroscope detects rotation movements, enabling users to:
- Change brush sizes
- Adjust opacity
- Switch between custom tool sets
- Access frequently used functions
These advanced gestures make the Pro version significantly more versatile for artists and note-takers who need quick access to various tools.
Hover Feature
Both pencil models offer hover capabilities, but they function differently. The Apple Pencil Pro provides enhanced hover precision and functionality when used with compatible iPad models.
When hovering over the screen, the Pro shows exactly where the tip will touch before making contact. This preview helps with:
- Precise placement for detailed artwork
- Accurate text selection
- Better UI navigation
The Apple Pencil 2 offers more basic hover recognition on newer iPad models. It shows a simple dot indicator but lacks the advanced position awareness of the Pro model.
The Pro’s hover feature also works at greater distances from the screen, giving users better visibility and control. This makes it especially valuable for digital artists working on detailed illustrations or designers making precise adjustments.
Haptic Feedback
The haptic feedback system represents one of the most significant advances in the Apple Pencil Pro. Unlike the Apple Pencil 2, which provides no tactile response, the Pro includes a haptic engine that creates physical sensations while using the device.
This feedback creates subtle vibrations that simulate the feeling of:
- Different paper textures
- Resistance when drawing thicker lines
- Confirmation when selecting tools
- Response when using various art supplies
The haptic system works alongside the squeeze and barrel roll functions, providing confirmation when gestures are recognized. This creates a more intuitive experience that mimics traditional art tools.
For professionals who spend hours drawing or writing, this feedback reduces eye strain by decreasing the need to constantly check visual cues on screen. It also helps users develop muscle memory more quickly when learning new apps or techniques.
Integration with iPadOS and Apps
The Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro offer different levels of integration with the iPad ecosystem. Both models work seamlessly with iPadOS, but the Pro version introduces enhanced features that expand functionality across the system and apps.
System-level Support
iPadOS 18 brings significant improvements for both Pencil models, but the Pro version gains exclusive benefits. The Apple Pencil Pro works with newer iPad models running iPadOS 17.5 or later, including the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) and iPad Pro 11-inch (M4).
The Apple Pencil 2 works with a wider range of iPads but lacks some advanced system features. For example, iPadOS 18 introduces new Smart Script handwriting tools in Notes that both models can use, but the Pro version offers better precision.
iPadOS 18 also includes custom tools in the PencilKit tool picker, giving the Pro version more flexibility. The squeeze gesture on the Pro model allows quick tool switching without interrupting your workflow.
Compatibility with Creative Apps
Both Pencil models work well with popular creative apps like Procreate, but the Pro version provides additional functionality. The Pro’s hover feature lets artists preview brush strokes before touching the screen, a significant advantage for detailed work.
Procreate takes full advantage of the Pro model’s barrel roll detection, allowing more natural brush rotation and tool manipulation. The Pencil 2 works perfectly fine for most creative tasks but lacks these nuanced controls.
Other creative apps like Adobe Fresco and Affinity Designer also utilize the Pro’s advanced features. The haptic feedback in the Pro version helps artists feel when they’ve selected different tools or brush sizes, improving workflow efficiency.
Compatibility Comparison:
| Feature | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Procreate advanced brushes | Yes | Yes, with enhanced control |
| Hover preview | No | Yes |
| Barrel roll detection | No | Yes |
| Haptic feedback | No | Yes |
Utility in Note-taking
For note-taking, both Pencil models excel, but the Pro version edges ahead with additional features. The Notes app gains powerful new intelligence features in iPadOS 18, which both Pencils can use.
The Pro model’s squeeze gesture makes switching between writing and erasing much quicker. Students and professionals can toggle between pen and highlighter without breaking their thought process.
Apps like Pencil Planner, Calendar Pro, and AJournal work exceptionally well with both Pencil versions. These apps allow for daily planning with handwritten notes that sync across Apple devices.
The Pencil 2 provides excellent palm rejection and pressure sensitivity for note-taking. However, the Pro model’s hover feature helps with precise placement of notes and annotations, especially useful when working with dense text or complex diagrams.
Apple Pencil Variants and iPad Compatibility
Apple’s stylus lineup offers different options tailored to specific iPad models. The compatibility between Apple Pencil versions and iPad models is essential to understand before making a purchase decision.
Options for Casual Users
The Apple Pencil (1st generation) serves casual users well with its basic functionality. This pencil works with several iPad models including the iPad (6th through 10th generations) and iPad mini (5th generation).
It connects via Lightning port for pairing and charging. This creates a slight awkwardness when charging but keeps the price lower than newer models.
The entry-level iPad (10th generation) requires a special USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging the 1st gen pencil. This solution works but isn’t as elegant as the magnetic attachment in newer models.
For basic note-taking, drawing, and navigation, the 1st generation pencil provides good value. It offers pressure sensitivity and tilt detection without the premium price of advanced models.
Specifier for Creatives
Professional artists and designers benefit most from the advanced features in higher-end Apple Pencil models. The Apple Pencil Pro offers new capabilities specifically designed for the latest iPad Pro models with M4 chips and the M2 iPad Air.
The Pro version introduces a squeeze function that lets users quickly switch between tools and colors. This feature saves valuable time during creative workflows.
It magnetically attaches to compatible iPads for both pairing and charging. The Pro model works exclusively with the new iPad Air M2 and M4 iPad Pros.
The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) remains an excellent option for creative professionals using compatible devices. It offers magnetic attachment, wireless charging, and a double-tap feature to switch tools. This version works with iPad Pro models, iPad Air (4th and 5th gen), and iPad mini (6th gen).
iPad Model Differentiation
iPad Pro models (11-inch and 12.9-inch) with M4 chips support the newest Apple Pencil Pro. These high-end tablets provide the best drawing experience with their ProMotion displays that offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother pencil tracking.
The new 13-inch iPad Air and 11-inch iPad Air (M2) also support Apple Pencil Pro functionality. This brings pro-level features to a more affordable tablet option.
Older iPad Pro models work with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), offering magnetic attachment and wireless charging. These still provide excellent performance for creative tasks.
The 10th generation iPad supports only the 1st generation Apple Pencil, requiring an adapter for connection. This creates a less seamless experience but maintains basic functionality.
When choosing an iPad, buyers should consider which Apple Pencil version is supported to ensure they get the features they need.
Practical Experience
The Apple Pencil 2 and Pencil Pro offer notably different experiences in real-world usage. These differences become apparent when using the pencils for various tasks and creative endeavors.
Day-to-day Use
The Apple Pencil Pro’s squeeze function changes how users interact with their iPads. This feature lets people quickly switch between tools or colors without touching the screen. The haptic feedback also provides a more responsive feel compared to the Pencil 2.
Battery life remains similar between both models. They each last about 10-12 hours of active use. The magnetic attachment for charging works the same way for both pencils.
The Pencil Pro’s barrel roll feature helps with precision work. Users can rotate the pencil to change brush thickness or opacity. This makes quick adjustments easier than with the Pencil 2.
For note-taking and casual use, many people find the Pencil 2 perfectly adequate. The Pro’s extra features shine most during extended use sessions where tool switching happens often.
Artistic Endeavors
Digital artists often prefer the Pencil Pro for its advanced features. The barrel roll function mimics how traditional art tools work. Artists can change brush angles naturally, just like with a real pencil or paintbrush.
The squeeze gesture saves valuable time during creative workflows. An artist can switch from brush to eraser instantly without breaking concentration. The haptic feedback also helps artists feel more connected to their work.
Color selection becomes more fluid with the Pro. Artists can pre-set their favorite colors and cycle through them with a simple squeeze. This speeds up the creative process significantly.
For detailed illustrations, the pressure sensitivity feels equally excellent in both models. However, the Pro’s added functions make complex artistic tasks feel more natural and less tech-dependent.
Student and Professional Work
Students taking notes find both pencils useful, but the Pencil 2 remains popular for its lower price point. The basic writing experience feels nearly identical between models. For simple note-taking, the extra features of the Pro may not justify its higher cost.
Professionals who create presentation materials or mark up documents might benefit more from the Pro’s quick-switch capabilities. Architects and designers appreciate the barrel roll feature for precision work on technical drawings.
For medical professionals reviewing images or engineers marking up schematics, the Pro’s advanced features save valuable time. The ability to quickly change tools without touching screen menus keeps the workflow smooth.
Writing feels natural with both pencils. They offer excellent palm rejection and minimal lag. The key difference lies in how quickly users can switch between writing and editing modes, where the Pro has a clear advantage.
Tech Specs Comparison
The Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil 2 differ significantly in their technical capabilities, features, and compatibility with various iPad models. The Pro version introduces several hardware improvements while maintaining similar dimensions.
Technical Specifications
The Apple Pencil Pro is slightly lighter at 0.68 ounces compared to the Apple Pencil 2’s 0.73 ounces. Both pencils share the same length of 6.53 inches and diameter of 0.35 inch.
The weight difference is minor but noticeable during extended use. The Pro weighs 19.15g while the 2nd Gen is 20.7g.
Both models connect via Bluetooth and attach magnetically to compatible iPads for charging and storage. Battery life remains similar between models, offering hours of continuous use.
The Pro works exclusively with newer models like the M4 iPad Pro, while the Apple Pencil 2 works with older iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
Unique Features Breakdown
The Apple Pencil Pro introduces squeeze gestures that let users quickly switch between tools. This new feature saves time for artists and note-takers.
The Pro includes a gyroscope that can detect rotation, allowing users to change brush sizes or opacity by simply turning the pencil. This feels more natural than tapping through menus.
The haptic feedback in the Pro provides physical confirmation when switching tools or functions. This subtle vibration makes the experience more responsive.
The Pro supports “Find My” functionality, making it easier to locate if misplaced. The Apple Pencil 2 lacks this feature entirely.
Both pencils offer palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, but the Pro delivers more precise pressure detection.
Sensor and Hardware Analysis
The gyroscope in the Apple Pencil Pro represents a major hardware upgrade. It tracks rotation with impressive accuracy, adding a new dimension to user controls.
Internal sensors in the Pro detect squeeze pressure, enabling squeeze gestures that weren’t possible with the 2nd Gen model. These sensors require more sophisticated internal components.
The haptic engine in the Pro adds weight but provides valuable physical feedback. This hardware addition required Apple to reduce weight elsewhere to maintain balance.
Both pencils use similar tips, but the Pro’s tip connects to more advanced internal hardware for better precision. The sensitivity on the Pro shows improvements in edge-case scenarios like drawing at steep angles.
The Pro’s compatibility with M4 iPad Pro and newer M3 iPad Air models leverages the advanced processing power of these devices.
Finding and Managing
Keeping track of your Apple Pencil is important for both convenience and protecting your investment. Both the Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro have different options for storage, tracking, and support services.
Storage Solutions
The Apple Pencil 2 magnetically attaches to the side of compatible iPads for easy storage and charging. This magnetic connection is strong enough for everyday use but can detach if bumped hard or placed in a bag without protection.
For more secure storage, many iPad cases include special Apple Pencil holders that protect the pencil while keeping it accessible. These range from simple loops to dedicated compartments.
The Apple Pencil Pro also attaches magnetically to compatible iPad models. Its magnetic attachment is slightly stronger than the Pencil 2, providing more secure everyday storage.
Third-party accessories like silicone pencil grips with pen clips allow users to attach either pencil to notebook covers or pockets. These accessories don’t interfere with the magnetic charging function.
Loss Prevention
Neither the Apple Pencil 2 nor the Apple Pencil Pro has built-in GPS tracking. However, users can enable Find My support for the Apple Pencil Pro when paired with M4 iPad Pro models.
This feature helps locate the pencil when it’s within Bluetooth range of any Apple device signed into the same Apple ID. The pencil will appear on the Find My app map with its last known location.
For the Apple Pencil 2, which lacks Find My support, users can purchase third-party Bluetooth trackers that attach to the pencil. These small devices can be stuck to the pencil’s body without affecting functionality.
Name tags with contact information are another simple but effective loss prevention method for both pencil models.
Warranty and Support
Both Apple Pencil models come with a standard one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. AppleCare+ for iPad extends this coverage when purchased and includes the pencil.
The extended warranty covers up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months, with a service fee of $29 for pencil repairs. Without AppleCare+, out-of-warranty replacement costs about $109.
Apple offers battery service for both pencils. When battery capacity drops below 80% within the warranty period, Apple will service it for free. Outside warranty, battery service costs $49.
For technical issues, both pencils are supported through Apple’s standard support channels. This includes Genius Bar appointments, phone support, and online troubleshooting guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple Pencil models differ in design, features, and device compatibility. These important distinctions affect which stylus works best for your specific iPad.
What are the compatibility differences between the Apple Pencil 2 and the Apple Pencil Pro?
The Apple Pencil Pro works exclusively with the newest iPad Pro models. It won’t connect to older devices.
The Apple Pencil 2 works with many iPad models but not with the newest iPad Pro. This is an important distinction when choosing which pencil to buy.
Always check your specific iPad model before purchasing either pencil to ensure compatibility.
In terms of dimensions and design, how do the Apple Pencil 2 and the Apple Pencil Pro compare?
Both pencils share nearly identical physical designs. The Apple Pencil 2 has a hexagonal shape with light texture, making it more comfortable to hold than the original round pencil.
The Pencil Pro looks and feels just like the Pencil 2 in hand. The main differences are the internal components and features rather than external appearance.
Users familiar with the Pencil 2 will find the Pro version instantly recognizable and comfortable to use.
Can you use the Apple Pencil 2 with all models of the iPad Pro?
No, the Apple Pencil 2 won’t connect with the newest iPad Pro models. The Pencil Pro is the only option that works with the latest iPad Pro.
Older iPad Pro models continue to work well with the Apple Pencil 2. The compatibility break happened with the newest generation of iPad Pro devices.
This change has frustrated some users who already owned the Pencil 2 and upgraded their iPad.
Does the introduction of the Apple Pencil Pro affect the performance of the Apple Pencil 2?
No, the introduction of the Apple Pencil Pro does not affect how the Apple Pencil 2 performs on compatible devices. The Pencil 2 maintains all its original functionality.
The limitations are purely about device compatibility, not performance degradation. Your Pencil 2 will continue working just as well as before on supported iPads.
Both pencils use the same type of interchangeable tips, so replacement parts remain available for both models.
Are there any significant improvements in the Apple Pencil 3 compared to its predecessors?
There is no Apple Pencil 3. Apple skipped this naming convention and released the Apple Pencil Pro instead as the successor to the Pencil 2.
The Apple Pencil Pro adds several new features including squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback. These capabilities enhance the drawing and writing experience.
These advanced features make the Pro version more versatile for artists and designers who need precise control.
How does the battery consumption of the Apple Pencil 2 compare to that of the Pro version?
Battery life between the two pencils is comparable in normal use. Both are designed to last through a full day of active work.
Both pencils charge magnetically when attached to compatible iPad models. This convenient charging method keeps them ready to use.
While the Pro version has more features that could potentially use more power, Apple has optimized the battery performance to maintain similar usage times between models.
