CONS
- Pricey
- Only supports newest iPads
The Apple Pencil Pro, priced at, is released in conjunction with the newest iPads, offering innovative features designed to cater to artists and creators. With a gyroscope for barrel roll gestures, embedded sensors for pinch actions, and a haptic engine for vibrational feedback, this stylus is a game-changer. What's even better is that it comes at the same price as the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil. Given its impressive capabilities and user-friendly design, the Apple Pencil Pro is the recipient of our Editors' Choice award for dedicated iPad creators.
The Apple (Pencil) Is Not Distant from the Tree.
The exterior of the Apple Pencil Pro closely resembles that of the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, making it difficult to distinguish between the two upon first glance.
The recently updated stylus is designed with the same plastic material as its predecessor. It is cylindrical for three-quarters of its circumference and features a flat side to enhance grip. Measuring at 6.53 by 0.35 inches (HW) and weighing a mere 0.68 ounces, it is slightly taller than the 2nd-gen Pencil (6.52 inches) and the Apple Pencil USB-C (6.10 inches), but shorter than the longer 1st-gen Apple Pencil (6.92 inches). This length should be suitable for most users. The matte finish adds to its ease of handling, making it a comfortable tool for both carrying and using.
The Pencil Pro is specifically designed to work with the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro models. While this restriction may be disappointing, it is not entirely unexpected. If you own an iPad Air or iPad Pro from 2022 or before, it is recommended to continue using the 2nd-gen or USB-C Pencil.
The Pencil Pro attaches magnetically to the flat edge of the iPad, just like the 2nd-gen model. It pairs and charges wirelessly via Bluetooth, and automatically pairs the first time you attach it. To check the Pencil's battery life, you can use the software battery meter tool built into iPadOS, which displays its status in a drop-down menu or via a widget. It takes approximately an hour to charge from empty and, in my experience, lasts for three to four days between charges. If you keep it attached to the iPad when not in use, the Pencil may never fully lose its charge.
The Apple Pencil Pro is surprisingly thicker compared to the 11-inch and 13-inch versions of the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro, measuring between 0.20 and 0.24 inches. The additional 0.15 inches of thickness between the thinnest iPad and the stylus can lead to the Pencil being more easily dislodged from the magnetic edge. This situation is less probable when utilizing a folio or keyboard case with the tablet.
The Apple Pencil Pro is oddly thicker than both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions of the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro, which have a thickness ranging from 0.20 to 0.24 inches. The extra 0.15 inches of thickness between the thinnest iPad and the stylus can result in the Pencil being more prone to accidentally detaching from the magnetic edge. This occurrence is less likely if a folio or keyboard case is used with the tablet.
The Apple Pencil Pro is equipped with two identical tips, with one already in use and an extra one provided. These tips remain consistent with those found in the earlier models. If needed, you have the option to purchase replacements directly from Apple in sets of four for.
The Pro is compatible with all the functionalities of the earlier Apple Pencils, and introduces a number of new features that will undoubtedly attract professional artists. One of these features is known as Squeeze. By applying pressure to the Pencil, the sensors located above the tip are able to detect this action. This will then prompt a new palette to appear, offering a range of tools, line weights, and color choices.
The new delete function, which is part of the palette, may be most beneficial. By pressing and holding the back/forward arrows, a circular timeline tool appears, enabling you to scroll back in time to remove your markings. It is quite impressive.
You have the ability to manage the actions triggered by squeezing or double-tapping the Pencil through the settings menu.
The new barrel roll function is powered by the internal gyroscope. It is most effective when used with shaped pen and brush tools, like thicker pens and highlighters. By twisting the Pencil, you can change the angle of the brush while hovering it above the screen, allowing you to preview the direction the tool will take before applying it to the glass. The testing phase yielded perfect results. Although I am not an artist, being able to anticipate the drawing angle of your tool before making a mark will undoubtedly minimize the need to reach for the eraser.
The addition of haptic feedback enhances the overall experience. The newly integrated haptic engine in the Pencil produces vibrations to signal the activation of a feature or the execution of an action. The combination of haptic feedback and the Squeeze feature in the Pencil is especially impressive, simulating the sensation of pressing a button despite the Pencil being made of solid plastic.
The Pencil is universally compatible with almost all iPad apps. It can function as a pointer or mouse for interface navigation, although its optimal performance is seen with creative apps like Evernote, Freeform, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate. Additionally, it is ideal for precise modifications to audio or video tracks in Logic Pro, GarageBand, or iMovie.
