Apple 2nd Generation Pencil Review
Apple Pencil 2, the second-generation stylus accessory for the iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil 2 is a device that lets you draw, write, and interact with apps on your iPad Pro more precisely and naturally. It has many features and improvements over the first-generation Apple Pencil, such as:
- Wireless pairing and charging: The Apple Pencil 2 attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly when connected. You do not need to plug it into the Lightning port or remove a cap to charge it.
- Double-tap feature: The Apple Pencil 2 has a flat edge that you can double-tap to switch between tools in different apps. For example, you can double-tap to switch between a pencil and an eraser in the Notes app, or between a brush and a color picker in the Procreate app .
- Pixel-perfect precision: The Apple Pencil 2 has high pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, which means it can respond to different levels of force and angle when you use it. It also has an imperceptible lag, which makes it feel like you are drawing or writing on paper.
- Apple Pencil hover: The Apple Pencil 2 can show you exactly where your Apple Pencil will touch down on your display, so you can write, sketch, and illustrate with even greater precision. You can also preview your mark before you make it, or see how your watercolors mix before you paint.
The Apple Pencil 2 is a great accessory for anyone who wants to use their iPad Pro for creative or professional purposes. It can help you express your ideas, enhance your productivity, and unleash your imagination.
What is the difference between Apple Pencil 2 and 1?
The Apple Pencil 1 and 2 are both stylus accessories for the iPad that allow you to draw, write, and interact with apps more precisely and naturally. However, there are some differences between them in terms of design, features, compatibility, and price. Let’s see some main differences:
Design: The Apple Pencil 1 has a round shape and a removable cap that covers a Lightning connector for charging. The Apple Pencil 2 has a flat edge and a magnetic attachment that allows it to charge wirelessly when attached to the side of the iPad. The Apple Pencil 2 also has a double-tap feature that lets you switch between tools in different apps by tapping the flat edge of the stylus12.
Features: Both Apple Pencils have high pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, which means they can respond to different levels of force and angle when you use them. However, the Apple Pencil 2 has an advantage over the Apple Pencil 1 in terms of convenience and functionality. The Apple Pencil 2 can show its battery level on the iPad screen when attached to it, while the Apple Pencil 1 requires you to check its battery level in the Notification Center or the Widgets screen. The Apple Pencil 2 also has the double-tap feature mentioned above, which can save you time and hassle when switching between tools12.
Compatibility: The Apple Pencil 1 and 2 are not compatible with all iPad models. The Apple Pencil 1 and 2 works with the following iPad models:
iPad Model | Apple Pencil 1 Compatibility | Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility |
---|---|---|
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad Pro 10.5-inch | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad Pro 9.7-inch | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad Air (3rd gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad (6th gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad (7th gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad (8th gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad (9th gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad (10th gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad mini (5th gen) | Compatible | Not Compatible |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Air (4th gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad Air (5th gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
iPad mini (6th gen) | Not Compatible | Compatible |
Price: The Apple Pencil 1 is cheaper than the Apple Pencil 2. On the official Apple site at the time of writing, the Apple Pencil 1 was listed at $99, while the Apple Pencil 2 was listed at $129.
What is the battery life of Apple Pencil 2?
The battery life of the Apple Pencil 2 is one of the features that makes it a great accessory for the iPad Pro. On a full charge, the Apple Pencil 2 provides approximately 12 hours of continuous usage. This is slightly longer than the Apple Pencil 1, which can last for about 11 hours of continuous use on a full charge. However, the battery duration depends on the tasks you are doing and the apps you are using. To extend the battery life of your Apple Pencil, it is essential to charge it properly and regularly. You can charge your Apple Pencil 2 by attaching it to the magnetic connector on the long side of your iPad Pro. When you attach it, the battery level will appear near the top of the screen for a moment.
You can also check the battery level anytime by adding the battery level widget and then checking Today View on your iPad. To access it, simply perform a left-to-right swipe on either the Home Screen or Lock Screen.
The Apple Pencil 2 can charge very quickly when attached to the iPad Pro. It can gain about 1% of battery every 10 seconds. This means that it can go from zero to full in about 15 minutes. However, you do not need to wait for it to be fully charged to use it. If your Apple Pencil 2 runs out of battery, you can attach it to your iPad Pro for just 15 seconds and get enough power to use it for another 30 minutes. This is very convenient and efficient for users who need to use their Apple Pencil frequently and for long periods of time.
Top Apple Pencil-Compatible Apps:
Apple Pencil is compatible with a wide range of applications across various categories. These applications include:
Art and Design Apps:
- Procreate: A powerful digital painting and illustration app with extensive brush and layer capabilities.
- Adobe Fresco: Adobe’s drawing and painting app, designed for artists and illustrators.
- Affinity Designer/Photo: Professional graphic design and photo editing apps that support the Apple Pencil.
- Adobe Illustrator: Professional vector graphic design software used for creating scalable illustrations and designs.
Note-Taking and Productivity Apps:
- Notability: A note-taking app that supports handwritten notes, annotations, and sketching.
- GoodNotes: Another popular note-taking app that offers handwriting recognition and PDF annotation.
- OneNote: Microsoft’s note-taking app that integrates well with the Apple Pencil for annotating and drawing.
- Nebo: A note-taking app with excellent handwriting recognition and conversion to digital text.
3D Modeling and CAD Apps:
- Shapr3D: A professional 3D modeling app that lets you create 3D designs using the Apple Pencil.
- AutoCAD: The mobile version of AutoCAD is compatible with the Apple Pencil for precision drawing and design.
PDF Annotation and Markup Apps:
- PDF Expert: A PDF editor that allows you to annotate and mark up PDF documents with the Apple Pencil.
- GoodReader: A versatile PDF reader and annotator with Apple Pencil support.
Writing and Journaling Apps:
- Bear: A note-taking app with a focus on simplicity and Markdown support.
- Day One: A journaling app that lets you add handwritten entries using the Apple Pencil.
- Journey: A journaling app with a focus on multimedia journaling, including handwritten notes and sketches.
Mind Mapping and Diagramming Apps:
- MindNode: A mind mapping app that supports drawing and sketching with the Apple Pencil.
- Concepts: A flexible sketching and design app suitable for mind mapping and diagramming.