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Original Apple Pencil vs. Apple Pencil 2

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Alongside the new 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, Apple introduced a second-generation Apple Pencil, which is designed to work exclusively with its latest tablets.

In our latest YouTube video, we took a look at the new Apple Pencil 2 and compared it to the original Apple Pencil to highlight all of the improvements that Apple made with the second iteration of its iPad stylus.


Design wise, the Apple Pencil 2 is sleeker and smaller than the original Apple Pencil because of the elimination of the Lightning connector at the top of the device.

The original Apple Pencil's Lightning connector was always a questionable design choice. It was meant to plug into the bottom of the iPad Pro, but it stuck straight out and was inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst, as an ill-timed drop could cause damage when charging.

Apple's new Apple Pencil does away with the Lightning connector all together because the device is now able to charge via a magnetic connection to the new iPad Pro models. The Apple Pencil 2 snaps right onto the new iPad Pro, which allows for pairing, charging, and storage when it's not in use.

With no Lightning connector, the new Apple Pencil is lighter and easier to hold for longer periods of time, and it has a cleaner look with no metal cap at the top.

While the first Apple Pencil was round and prone to rolling off of flat surfaces, the new Apple Pencil has a flat side for connecting to the iPad, and that flat bit also prevents it from rolling as much.

In addition to these design and function changes, the Apple Pencil 2 introduces support for gestures. With a double tap, the Apple Pencil 2 can switch between tools in apps that support the feature, which is super useful because it allows for quick changes between a pencil and an eraser.

Apple is, unfortunately, charging $30 more for its newest Apple Pencil. The second-generation device costs $130, whereas the original was priced at $100. For users who have a new iPad Pro model, the Apple Pencil 2 is the only available choice as the original Apple Pencil does not work with the new tablets.

Likewise, the second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible only with the new iPad Pro models, so you can't get one and take advantage of the new features without also having a 2018 iPad Pro.

What do you think of Apple's new second-generation Apple Pencil? Is it worth the premium over the original? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: Original Apple Pencil vs. Apple Pencil 2
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/11/16/apple-pencil-comparison/
AngerDanger

AngerDanger

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Dec 9, 2008
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Now that's a $30 design change! It's hardly recognizable!

pen3.gif

 
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ruka.snow

ruka.snow

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KPandian1 said:
$130 stylus? For a nearly $1000 sketch pad!

Hope those who buy this are able to use it for pro-work.
Click to expand...

Its cheeper than the Wacom and works just as well I keep hearing and indeed have found myself. iPads Photoshop is really the missing piece since is so frequent that designs start on Pro Create then get transferred to desktop to be finished on Photoshop.
 
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Niklas_nick

Niklas_nick

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Dec 12, 2016
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I would have loved to get one for my 10.5" iPad Pro just for the tap-for-different-tool gesture and the end of the cheap plastic cap but unfortunately that isn't possible. If the new pencil would work on Mac trackpads and iPhones, that might have been one more reason to get the new 11" Pro and the pencil, but the new iPad pricing is just too far off to just sell my last year's iPad and get the new one (+$600).
 
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Chrjy

Chrjy

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I love Apple products and have been using them since I was at college in '89 but I'm in a real bind! It's getting to the point where they are just pricing me out the market. I make a reasonably good salary, I don't have any kids so have no outgoings to consider from that respect and would say I have a pretty good disposable income compared to those with children.

I have spent a small fortune over the years on Apple products and probably owned a good 90% of the stuff they have brought out but I have concluded that I can no longer sustain at the current price levels. I understand that prices go up over the years but in the last few years, it's no longer about inflation just significant price increases by Apple themselves.

The MacBook Pro 15" for example, which is always my main machine, now costs £2700 (512GB is non negotiable, 256GB just doesn't cut it in this day and age)...we're knocking on the £3K mark and that's a huge amount of cash.

Sigh....I have to agree with many others that I think Apple is now getting greedy and I really do believe that it's going to come back and bite them hard in the next few years.
 
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zhenya

zhenya

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thasan said:
how does it feel in hand? i love the weight of pencil 1.
Click to expand...

I think it feels slightly better. The finish is matte rather than the shiny (slippery) plastic, and it’s a bit shorter. I liked the weight of the old pencil but it always felt a little long, and like the weight was biased towards the top-end. The new one feels just right in this regard.
 
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Firelock

Firelock

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Sep 7, 2012
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The new Pencil/iPad Pro combination solves all of the issues that I had with the first generation Pencil.
  • There is now someplace to carry the pencil built into the iPad
  • It is essentially always charged due to it charging inductively in the same place that it is carried
  • First gen Pencil was a little too thin and long for my taste, new Pencil has better feel with additional width. it will also fit into a shirt pocket easier due to reduction in length
  • Ability to switch tools with double-tap is a nice addition, would still like to use the end to erase, but double-tap is not bad and probably more useful and efficient once I get used to it
 
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KPandian1

macrumors 65816
Oct 22, 2013
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MacGod said:
Apple 1 pencil isn't compatible with new systems and the new pencil doesn't work with older iPad Pro's. Still a great product, but just getting harder to justify it.
Click to expand...

What will happen with the next version? iPads and Pencils not compatible with anything, again, and more "New" compatible products to buy?

Also, the battery in the Pencil and AirPods - what happens when their end-of-life is reached?
 
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