Apple introduces new Apple Pencil, bringing more value and choice to the lineup

The new, more affordable Apple Pencil brings incredible features that customers love, including pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity.

Today, Apple is bringing more choice to iPad users with a new, more affordable Apple Pencil. With pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, the new Apple Pencil is ideal for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more. Designed with a matte finish and a flat side that magnetically attaches to the side of iPad for storage, the new Apple Pencil pairs and charges with a USB-C cable. The new Apple Pencil will be available beginning in early November.

“Apple Pencil has revolutionized note taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.”

Expanding the Choice and Value of Apple Pencil

Apple Pencil pushes the boundaries of creativity and extends the versatility of iPad. The new Apple Pencil brings incredible features that customers love — all for a great value — and works with all iPad models that have a USB-C port. With the introduction of the new Apple Pencil, iPad users can pick the perfect Apple Pencil that is compatible with their iPad.

Inking Performance, Pairing and Charging

Apple Pencil set the gold standard for precision and low latency, and the new Apple Pencil offers the same advanced pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity that customers love with Apple Pencil (1st and 2nd generations). The new Apple Pencil works great with iPadOS features like Scribble, Quick Note, and when collaborating with others in Freeform. When used with M2 models of iPad Pro, the new Apple Pencil supports hover, allowing users to sketch and illustrate with even greater precision.

Perfect for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more, the new Apple Pencil is ideal for everyday productivity and creativity.

A sliding cap reveals a USB-C port, enabling customers to use a USB-C cable to connect to the new Apple Pencil for pairing and charging. When magnetically attached to iPad for storage, the new Apple Pencil enters into a sleep state to preserve battery life.

A sliding cap reveals a USB-C port, enabling the new Apple Pencil to work with all iPad models that have a USB-C port.

Apple Pencil Lineup

The new Apple Pencil is the most affordable model, making it ideal for everyday productivity and creativity. With USB-C charging and pairing, the new Apple Pencil is great for iPad (10th generation) users and also works with all iPad models that have a USB-C port, including iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini.

Apple Pencil (1st generation) supports pressure sensitivity, delivering a remarkably fluid and natural drawing experience. Apple Pencil (1st generation) works with iPad (10th generation), and the Lightning port on iPad (9th generation) makes it easy to quickly connect Apple Pencil (1st generation) for pairing and charging.

Apple Pencil (2nd generation) further enhances and streamlines professional workflows with support for pressure, the double-tap gesture, and Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro models with M2. Compatible with iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models, Apple Pencil (2nd generation) features a matte finish and flat side that supports magnetic pairing and charging.

Customers can choose the perfect Apple Pencil that is compatible with their iPad model. For more information on compatibility, visit apple.com/apple-pencil.

iPad users can pick the perfect Apple Pencil that is compatible with their iPad model, including Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Apple Pencil (1st generation).

iPadOS 17 Brings New Levels of Personalization and Capability

iPadOS 17 takes personalization even further on iPad, and gives users more ways to get tasks done easier and faster than ever, including:

  • Notes offers new ways to organize, read, annotate, and collaborate on PDFs, and now lets users quickly link one note to another.
  • Freeform gets new drawing tools and adds Follow Along to guide collaborators around the board.
  • Taking full advantage of the iPad display, a redesigned Lock Screen delivers entirely new ways to customize — with stunning wallpapers, new ways to showcase favorite photos, and expressive fonts and colors to personalize the look of the date and time.
  • Interactive widgets take glanceable information further with the ability to get tasks done right in the moment with just a tap, directly from the Lock Screen or Home Screen.
  • Messages brings updates to search and offers new ways for users to express themselves, including a stickers experience with new emoji stickers and the ability to create Live Stickers by lifting subjects from photos.
  • Coming later this year, AutoFill identifies and fills fields in PDF forms, allowing users to quickly add details such as names, addresses, and emails from Contacts.

Notes offers new ways to organize, read, annotate, and collaborate on PDFs, and now lets users quickly link one note to another.

Freeform gets new drawing tools and adds Follow Along to guide collaborators around the board.

Users can now customize the Lock Screen with stunning wallpapers, new ways to showcase their favorite photos, and personalize the look of the date and time.

Messages offers new ways for users to express themselves with new emoji stickers and the ability to create Live Stickers.

Coming later this year, AutoFill identifies and fills fields in form, making working with PDFs on iPad easier than ever.

  • The new Apple Pencil will be available for purchase separately for $79 (U.S), with availability beginning in early November.
  • The new Apple Pencil is compatible with all iPad models with a USB-C port, including iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generations), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generations), and iPad mini (6th generation).
  • The new Apple Pencil is available for $69 (U.S.) for education. Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. For more information visit apple.com/us-hed/shop.
  • Apple Pencil (1st generation) is compatible with iPad (10th generation) and iPad (9th generation). A USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required for pairing and charging, and is included in the box with Apple Pencil (1st generation) for $99 (U.S.).
  • For existing owners of Apple Pencil (1st generation), the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is sold separately for $9 (U.S).
  • Apple Pencil (2nd generation), available for purchase separately, is compatible with iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro models for $129 (U.S.).
  • Anyone who wants to start with the basics or go further with their iPad and Apple Pencil can sign up for free Today at Apple sessions available in all stores around the world at apple.com/today, or for an Online Personal Session.

Is the Apple Pencil worth it?

Everything you need to know about Apple’s smart styluses.

Written by Rachel Murphy, smart home wizard, DIY home renovator, and mom to four.

Updated September 13, 2019

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

The Apple Pencil is a smart stylus you can use to take notes during class or in a meeting, draw pictures and sketches, mark up emails, color, and more—all on your iPad. You can think of it just like a regular pencil or pen you would normally use to write (just don’t try to use it on actual paper, because that won’t work).

Mulling over the idea of purchasing an Apple Pencil to use with your iPad, but haven’t totally committed to the idea?

Let’s look at the differences between the Apple Pencil generations, what you can do with the digital writing tool, and whether or not it’s worth your money.

Original Apple Pencil vs. Apple Pencil 2

Apple Pencil 1 (left) and Apple Pencil 2 (right) look similar, but there are a few key differences between the two smart styluses.

You may already know that there are two versions of the Apple Pencil. They look similar, but there are several differences that separate the two sleek styluses. For starters, the first generation retails for $99, while the second generation Pencil goes for $129. Here are a few other big variations to note.

1. Apple Pencil compatibility

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to buy an Apple Pencil for your iPad, an important first step is deciding which version of the Apple Pencil to purchase (and whether or not it’s compatible with your tablet). Released in 2018, the second-generation Apple Pencil was crafted to work with the 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (third generation), according to Apple. Whereas the first-generation Apple Pencil, which debuted in 2015, works with most earlier iPad models including the following:

  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch
  • iPad (6th generation)

2. Apple Pencil look and feel

Need a quick way to jot down notes? Certain iOS apps let you take notes during class or meetings, and you can even translate your handwriting to text.

In photos, the Apple Pencil first and second generations look very similar. But take another look and you’ll notice a few differences. First, the second-generation Pencil is slightly shorter than its older sibling (only by 0.39 inches), although both models weigh 0.73 ounces each.

Another big design change: The Apple Pencil 1 is round in shape, like most pencils and pens, which means it may roll off the table or away from your iPad when you set it down. The new model was designed with a flat side to help keep the pencil from rolling when placed on a flat surface.

Finally, although both versions are white, the textures aren’t the same. The first generation has a plastic-like feel, whereas the second generation has a matte finish that’s easier to grip.

3. How to pair Apple Pencil

The Apple Pencil was designed specifically with certain iPad models in mind and doesn’t work with non-Apple tablets.

The Apple Pencil 1 can be paired with a compatible iPad by removing the cap and plugging the pencil into the lightning connector located at the bottom of your iPad. Then, tap the “Pair” button when it appears on the screen. Note: The pencil will remain paired with your device until you restart your iPad, pair it with another iPad, or place the iPad in Airplane Mode.

The pairing process for Apple Pencil 2 requires fewer steps. To connect the newest version of the Apple Pencil with your iPad, place the Pencil against the magnetic connector on the side of your iPad Pro to automatically pair with your device.

4. How to charge Apple Pencil

Although the two Pencils look similar, they can’t be charged the same way. The Apple Pencil 1 is charged via the lightning connector on your iPad (the same one you use to pair the device). The first-generation Pencil can also be charged via the USB Power Adapter that comes included with the product.

The charging process for the second-generation Pencil is a bit different, but much easier than that of the Apple Pencil 1.

Instead of having the Pencil jut out from the base of your iPad, turn on your iPad’s Bluetooth setting and then place the Pencil on the magnetic connector in the middle of the right side of your iPad to charge. This way is much less cumbersome, especially during travel.

5. New tap commands

The first-generation Apple Pencil works like most other smart styluses. However, the Apple Pencil 2 features a new way of switching between tools and cycling through color palettes. When illustrating in an app that’s compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, double tap on the lower section of the pencil to switch back and forth between your current and previous tool. This command also lets you switch between the current tool and the eraser, and it turns the Pencil off.

How to use Apple Pencil

Transform your iPad into a coloring book or sketch pad by using the Apple Pencil.

Just like a regular writing utensil, you can use the Apple Pencil to take notes using the Notes app that comes loaded on the iPad. Many other compatible apps work with the Apple Pencil, like Evernote and Goodnotes, so you can jot down notes during class, in meetings, or for your weekly grocery list.

The Apple Pencil is ideal for work and school-related dealings like marking up emails and photos, as well as editing documents on-the-go.

If you’re looking to ditch the traditional pen and paper notebook, then the Apple Pencil, paired with a compatible iPad, makes for an easy-to-use replacement.

The Pencil can also be used to draw and sketch illustrations directly in the Notes app or with another app made specifically for doodling around on the iPad like Adobe Photoshop Sketch.

Another fun way to use the Pencil is to color using the Pigment app. I especially love using this function of the Pencil with my 6-year-old daughter on long road trips—or by myself to destress after a long day.

Is the Apple Pencil worth it?

Need a quick way to jot down notes? Certain iOS apps let you take notes during class or meetings, and you can even translate your handwriting to text.

The Apple Pencil is a handy tool that enhances the functionality of your iPad, but is it worth it? It depends on how often you use your iPad, what you use it for, and your budget. If you primarily use your iPad to catch up on your favorite shows, use social media, and read the news, then an Apple Pencil probably won’t add much to your current experience.

Another thing to consider? The price.

The Apple Pencil is an extra cost ranging from $99 to $129 (depending on which model you buy) on top of what your iPad costs.

So, if you’re on a tight budget and willing to give up some of the Apple Pencil’s special features, then you may want to consider a cheaper, off-brand smart stylus like the well-rated AmazonBasics Executive Stylus for Touchscreen Devices.

Remember, though, that the Apple Pencil was designed specifically to use with the iPad. The pencil responds to pressure and tilt, so you have control over things like line weight, shading, and other artistic effects. Other smart styluses were designed with a wide range of tablets in mind.

Electronic gadgets aren’t cheap, but if you use the iPad with any regularity for work or have kids who like to color, then the Apple Pencil is likely a good investment to help you and yours get the most out of the touchscreen tablet.