Apple Pencil

Overview

Apple has several models of the Apple Pencil series. These models differ a bit by the features they support. And only certain IPads are compatible with certain models of the apple pencil. So if you're looking to use the apple pencil with an iPad make sure you check the compatibility and the feature set of that pencil before you purchase anything.

Basics

product page (includes feature comparison and iPad compatibility)

Drawing experience

The apple pencil uses a different technology from a drawing tablet pen. It can be polarizing for some people how the apple pencil works. But overall in terms of its ability to draw things I think it is an excellent pen - especially the Apple Pencil 2nd gen and the Apple Pencil Pro.

Apple Pencil compatibility with iPads

Not every apple pencil version is compatible with every iPad.

iPad vs Apple pencil compatibility list - https://www.lifewire.com/apple-pencil-compatibility-with-ipad-5189841

Core feature comparison

Device	Hover	Pressure	Tilt	Barrel rotation
Apple Pencil GEN1	NO	YES	YES	NO
Apple Pencil GEN2	YES	YES	YES	NO
Apple Pencil USB-C	YES	NO	YES	NO
Apple Pencil Pro	YES	YES	YES	YES

Apple Pencil GEN1

• Released: 2015

• iFixit - Apple Pencil (1st Generation) Tip Replacement

Apple Pencil GEN2

• Released: 2018

• Teoh on Tech - Latency Test: S-Pen 2020 vs Apple Pencil 2 Sep 9, 2020

• iFixit - Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Tips Replacement

Apple Pencil USB-C

• Released: 2023

• Teoh on Tech - Apple Pencil USB-C: Writing and drawing artist review Nov 3, 2023

Apple Pencil Pro

• Released: 2024

• iFixit - iPad Pro 13" Teardown and Apple Pencil Pro Destruction 2024/05/18

• Adam Duff - M4 iPad Pro & Apple Pencil Pro - PRO ARTIST Review (First Impressions) 2024/05/20

• Tim Mcburnie - Apple Pencil Pro... Pro Artist Review: A Tech-Bump Hellscape 2024/05/31

Digital pen technology

Apple pencil uses a proprietary protocol that we believe is similar to Wacom AES. It does NOT use EMR. We aren't even sure of the name of the technology and no documentation from Apple is available that describes it.

Hover

The Apple Pencil Pro supports hover.

• Adam Duff - Apple Pencil Hover Is a Big Deal For Artists 2022/11/01

Power

Apple pencil contains an internal rechargeable battery that is not removable.

Find my

The Apple Pencil Pro supports the "find my" feature. Here's a video someone using it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_8P3jmhnrM - but it seems a bit limited.