Apple Pencil Buyer's Guide: Which Model Should You Choose?

[lartola]

Agree 100%. They could call this an SE, excepting (apparently) the technology of the previous iPads aren’t compatible, whereas all other SE products are stand alone. I agree the product branding has mostly been askew.

No idea why it isn’t compatible when the original pencil and this one is compatible with iPad 10

Actually, it depends on what you mean by previous ipads. The new apple pencil with USB-C and the 2nd gen apple pencil are both compatible with ALL the ipads pro and air that apple currently sells, as well as with previous generations of ipad pro and ipad air that also came with a USB-C port, and the new usb-c pencil also works with the 10th gen ipad. Anything older than those ipads still has a lightning port, so it can only use the 1st gen pencil. This includes the ipad 9th gen that apple still sells, which is why apple has kept the 1st gen pencil in the lineup for now.

 

[lartola]

See my post above (#150). And consult the chart if you are having difficulty understanding the differences.

Deep breaths will get you through this.

He does have a point: Apple is charging a huge premium for its pencils just for putting the Apple logo on them and nothing else.

 

[steve09090]

I can. Yet the average customer seeing these products on store shelves will find it needlessly complicated.

Great that you’re looking out for the little guy…

Demonstrates how they could have just updated the 2nd gen Pencil with a USB-C port for cross-compatibility across all USB-C iPads. Or made the 10th gen iPad charge the 2nd gen Pencil wirelessly, for, again cross-compatibility.

That’s exactly what they have done with 3rd gen. 2nd gen connects by bluetooth in a different way to Gen 3, and possibly not compatible with Gen 10 iPad.

Point being: Apple is charging a rip-off price on this.
And since this thread is about a buyer‘s guide, why shouldn’t I point out alternatives to prospective buyers?

I agree that Apple charge a premium price, for arguably a more premium product. There are many instances where a product can do the same job, but is it really as good? You can look at previous CPU's, or cookware (for Intel it’s the same thing), or power tools, or whatever. Sometimes you pay for service, or warranty, or sometimes just the badge on the front. Others it’s peace of mind that you are likely getting a premium product.

You get what you pay for.

 

[lartola]

That’s exactly what they have done with 3rd gen. 2nd gen connects by bluetooth in a different way to Gen 3, and possibly not compatible with Gen 10 iPad.



I agree that Apple charge a premium price, for arguably a more premium product. There are many instances where a product can do the same job, but is it really as good? You can look at previous CPU's, or cookware (for Intel it’s the same thing), or power tools, or whatever. Sometimes you pay for service, or warranty, or sometimes just the badge on the front. Others it’s peace of mind that you are likely getting a premium product.

You get what you pay for.

1. No. The reason why the 2nd gen pencil is incompatible with the ipad 10 has nothing to do with the bluetooth connectivity. It’s because the ipad 10 lacks the hardware to allow wireless charging for the pencil. That’s why the only pencil choices for ipad 10 are either the 1st gen or, now, the new one with usb-c.

2. You can get for no more than $20 a pencil with the exact same features as apple’s 2nd gen or the new one with usb-c, just without apple’s logo on it. People have sent the links for such products right here in this forum. Apple is certainly charging a hefty 300% premium just for putting its logo on the pencil. If that’s not a rip-off then I wonder what would be a rip-off.

 

[steve09090]

1. No. The reason why the 2nd gen pencil is incompatible with the ipad 10 has nothing to do with the bluetooth connectivity. It’s because the ipad 10 lacks the hardware to allow wireless charging for the pencil. That’s why the only pencil choices for ipad 10 are either the 1st gen or, now, the new one with usb-c.

2. You can get for no more than $20 a pencil with the exact same features as apple’s 2nd gen or the new one with usb-c, just without apple’s logo on it. People have sent the links for such products right here in this forum. Apple is certainly charging a hefty 300% premium just for putting its logo on the pencil. If that’s not a rip-off then I wonder what would be a rip-off.

You get what you pay for. Like I said earlier, you’re free to buy whatever product you want, no judgement here. I’ll buy whatever I want and don’t expect you to judge me or others who do the same. If you’re not able to work through the product lineup that Apple presents, then that’s okay too, also no judgement. The same thing can be hard for some and easy for others.

I would say there are many many products in the world that seem over priced. I’m never going to buy a $200,000 car, because I think a $50,000 one does the same job. Don’t judge other peoples choices, including companies. If they sell the products, people see the value in them.

 

[adb1973]

Although I do like your holistic friendly approach to the world. I don't have a lot of respect for companies that mislead people to see (added) value in their products. Apple is very close to doing that with this overpriced pencil and certain cables.
The marketing guys just won, the chosen pricepoint is really ridiculous and the margin pure greed.

If there's a buyers guide or review the advice should be 'never buy, buy the knock-off'

 

[steve09090]

Although I do like your holistic friendly approach to the world. I don't have a lot of respect for companies that mislead people to see (added) value in their products. Apple is very close to doing that with this overpriced pencil and certain cables.
The marketing guys just won, the chosen pricepoint is really ridiculous and the margin pure greed.

If there's a buyers guide or review the advice should be 'never buy, buy the knock-off'

Every single product I have seen brokenbduu is an. Either through YouTube channels like Luke Miami, Jerryrigeverything, ifoxit irvwhstever, has always shown the value during breakdowns. Every single product including usb cables.

The only issue I find with their products is software locking certain hardware.

 

[adb1973]

Oh I forgot the software locking! Being on an (then state of the art) iMac 2012 on Sonoma with OCLP one can truly see what planned obsolence means (and how it ruins the world)

I've seen quite some comparisons with lightning cables in which the $19 dollar Apple ones couldn't live up to their ridiculous price point in durability nor internal resistance. Blitzwolf braided cables for instance are 3x cheaper, have better electrical characteristics and are a zillion times more durable.

Sometimes I wonder why a person (in the end it always is) actually morally feels entitled to ask a price that is 10 times the actual value (except for art or otherwise unique objects).

 

[Stiksi]

Some people don’t need or want pressure sensitivity. Why should they be forced to pay more for something they didn’t want. It’s still the best writing device for precision and latency available. Geesh

For an iPad. Cintiqs are way better, so are Huion Kamvases, my Surface Pro is more enjoyable to use with the pen if not quite as quick. The price you pay for the Apple Pencil without pressure sensitivity and wireless charging is way too high, the markup on it must be crazy.

 

[lartola]

If they sell the products, people see the value in them.

Not necessarily a true value, though. A large number of apple’s customers aka the hardcore fans buy apple because they want to show off the brand, just as they’d show off a pair of versace pants or a mont blanc wallet. Apple has done that because it brings a lot of sales, but it’s terrible for the customers because they pay a steep overprice.

 

[krakenrelease]

They have that too now, attaching and charging on the iPad side. Only pressure is missing.

Wish I saw one when I got mine. It’s pressure sensitive. Looks like the knock offs have all the features including usb-c for less than $30.

 

[steve09090]

Not necessarily a true value, though. A large number of apple’s customers aka the hardcore fans buy apple because they want to show off the brand, just as they’d show off a pair of versace pants or a mont blanc wallet. Apple has done that because it brings a lot of sales, but it’s terrible for the customers because they pay a steep overprice.

Probably a minority, but who actually knows.

Value is absolutely in the eye of the beholder, it’s not you or I to claim what true value is for anyone else, only our own (valued or valueless) opinion. I will never buy a Phillipe Patek watch, but other see value in one of the best watch brands.

 

[lartola]

Wish I saw one when I got mine. It’s pressure sensitive. Looks like the knock offs have all the features including usb-c for less than $30.

Right. Apple charges a 200-300% premium exclusively for its logo. Take that away and you get the same product for 3 times less.

 

[lartola]

The new pencil exists because on amazon, $20 pencil knockoffs are sold in 100 of thousands.
If you are not an artist that needs the pressure sensitive aspect, they are perfect. Many people don't and Apple knows this so they are offering an alternative to that.

Soon the lightning products will be gone so we'll have only USB C iPads and 2 Pencils. A $79 one and a 129$ one for those that want to draw. I feel $50 is a good save because many people don't draw professionally.

The problem with apple’s new “cheap” pencil is even that one is way overpriced. The $20 knockoffs sold on amazon do exactly the same as apple’s new $79 pencil, all the knockoffs lack is apple’s logo. For those who aren’t artists and don’t need pressure sensitivity, the knockoff does the job and is still the best choice. Why would anyone pay a $59 premium exclusively for apple’s logo and nothing else?

 

[zkap]

And at a much lower price - a 20% savings. Seems many people forget (most likely intentionally) to mention that.

I didn't forget, I just don't think it counts for much, the price decrease (and a whole 20 bucks at that) doesn't change the situation. They decreased the price compared to a 2015 product and released something that is inferior to a 2018 product... in 2023.

It’s not necessarily a downgrade. It could look that way compared to the apple pencil 2, but that’s the wrong perspective to look at it from. The new usb-c apple pencil is an upgrade to the 1st gen apple pencil intended for ipad 10 users who, until now, had no choice but to use the 1st gen with a lightning to usb-c adapter. And they also had no choice but to keep the 1st gen pencil in the lineup because they’re still selling the ipad 9 (believe it or not!), not compatible with any of the other two pencils.

I guess it depends on how you view Apple's strategy in this segment. What you described is exactly why I think this is ridiculous. Instead of creating a pencil (whatever gen) that is compatible with all iPads, they deliberately limited the Gen 2 to some models, just to squeeze more money out of users instead of treating it like what it really is - just an accessory. If they decided to go down the route of having multiple pencils, why limit their use? It makes things unnecessarily more expensive and more complicated for the user.

My perspective is that hardware improvements over a 2015 product make little difference, because was it even an option to release a pencil that is worse than the OG pencil from 2015, regardless of the price?

So you’re against every SE product then? Because that’s what you have described.

I wouldn't say that's what I described, not at all. I didn't generalize as I was discussing this particular product line. I am being critical of Apple's tactics involving the iPad and the pencil, and we're talking about an accessory released in 2023 that is a downgrade on an accessory from the same family of products, released in 2018. I am viewing this in the context of the "It just works" trillion dollar company releasing an accessory for an overpriced product. We seem to have different expectations and my comments aren't about all SE products, just this particular sad mess.

 

[citysnaps]

I didn't forget, I just don't think it counts for much, the price decrease (and a whole 20 bucks at that) doesn't change the situation. They decreased the price compared to a 2015 product and released something that is inferior to a 2018 product... in 2023.

Yes, Apple released a Pencil with less features at a 20% discount. Life goes on.

Are you trying to warn Apple ciustomers? Or maybe Apple? Neither need your help. Really.

 

[zkap]

Yes, Apple released a Pencil with less features at a 20% discount. Life goes on.

Are you trying to warn Apple ciustomers? Or maybe Apple? Neither need your help. Really.

It's a forum, not trying to warn anybody, just discussing. Really.

Why do you type here?

 

[lartola]

I guess it depends on how you view Apple's strategy in this segment. What you described is exactly why I think this is ridiculous. Instead of creating a pencil (whatever gen) that is compatible with all iPads, they deliberately limited the Gen 2 to some models, just to squeeze more money out of users instead of treating it like what it really is - just an accessory. If they decided to go down the route of having multiple pencils, why limit their use? It makes things unnecessarily more expensive and more complicated for the user.

Well it wasn’t easy to have a single pencil compatible with all ipads when you have several usb-c ipads that can charge a pencil wirelessly (all ipad pro 2018 and later and 4th and 5th gen ipad air models), one usb-c ipad that can’t do the wireless charging (the ipad 10) and one ipad that still has a lightning port (ipad 9).

 

[steve09090]

I wouldn't say that's what I described, not at all. I didn't generalize as I was discussing this particular product line. I am being critical of Apple's tactics involving the iPad and the pencil, and we're talking about an accessory released in 2023 that is a downgrade on an accessory from the same family of products, released in 2018. I am viewing this in the context of the "It just works" trillion dollar company releasing an accessory for an overpriced product. We seem to have different expectations and my comments aren't about all SE products, just this particular sad mess.

They reduced the features of the pencil, AND also the price, which is an important distinction. Inherently, when features are reduced, they are inferior from the better version. My gosh…. Do you think an iPhone 15 is rubbish because it’s not the Pro?

They also reduced the quality of a product with the iPod Shuffle after releasing the iPod Nano. They did it with the Apple Watch SE after the Apple Watch Series 5. The did it with the iPhone 5C in 2013, and the iPhone SE 3 times, in 2016, 2020 & 2022. Same goes with the iPad Air. They are being super consistent giving a choice with a lower price point whilst maintaining the main functions, when for many years they were criticised for not doing so.

It’s the cheapest product they sell outside of cables (even cheaper than a fashion accessory - watch band). I think if people want to create fake drama by linking it to being a trillion $ company, then what you’ve said is the right way to do it.

This thing about being overpriced…. You can buy your cheap, cheaply built, crappy off-brand pencil if you wish. I couldn’t care. I prefer to buy a quality product and the price that goes with it. Looking at buyer ratings on Amazon for Apple Pencils. The Apple versions all get a rating of. 4.7. The off brand ones get a rating of 3-4 with comments like 'fails to charge, battery runs out quickly, tricky to use, won’t connect. Apples worse review was 'terrible packaging’ for the Gen 2.

Faux rage.

 

[zkap]

They reduced the features of the pencil, AND also the price, which is an important distinction. Inherently, when features are reduced, they are inferior from the better version. My gosh…. Do you think an iPhone 15 is rubbish because it’s not the Pro?

They also reduced the quality of a product with the iPod Shuffle after releasing the iPod Nano. They did it with the Apple Watch SE after the Apple Watch Series 5. The did it with the iPhone 5C in 2013, and the iPhone SE 3 times, in 2016, 2020 & 2022. Same goes with the iPad Air. They are being super consistent.

It’s the cheapest product they sell outside of cables (even cheaper than a fashion accessory - watch band). I think if people want to create fake drama by linking it to being a trillion $ company, then what you’ve said is the right way to do it.

This thing about being overpriced…. You can buy your cheap, cheaply built, crappy off-brand pencil if you wish. I couldn’t care. I prefer to buy a quality product. Looking at buyer ratings on Amazon for Apple Pencils. The Apple versions all get a rating of. 4.7. The off brand ones get a rating of 3-4 with comments like 'fails to charge, battery runs out quickly, tricky to use, won’t connect. Apples worse review was 'terrible packaging’ for the Gen 2.

Faux rage.

No drama at all, let alone fake drama. I don't know why you're taking this to heart, it's not even your pencil.
And I don't know how you reach these conclusions in your post, who even mentioned the iPhone 15...

If Apple continues this way, you're gonna love it because in a couple of years they may release an even cheaper pencil with even less features, but hopefully they don't overdo it as they might arrive at those cheap pencils you researched on Amazon.

 

[steve09090]

No drama at all, let alone fake drama. I don't know why you're taking this to heart, it's not even your pencil.
And I don't know how you reach these conclusions in your post, who even mentioned the iPhone 15...

If Apple continues this way, you're gonna love it because in a couple of years they may release an even cheaper pencil with even less features, but hopefully they don't overdo it as they might arrive at those cheap pencils you researched on Amazon.

You were very clear that reducing the features and the price was a terrible terrible thing to do to the world. I was simply pointing out that 1) it’s not. 2) it has been done ad nauseam with every product company on this planet who provided a range, and pointed out the consistency Apple has done this since the 2000’s… 3) I have dramatised this for you, so we can start to speak the same language. Enjoy your pencil. I’m sure you’ll have days and days of fun with it.

 

[b17777]

A person used to be able to come to this site and learn things. Now it's pages and pages of people whining about something they don't want and are never going to buy. Oh and to call Tim Cook "Timmy"

 

[krell100]

I came to this article by way of looking for a pencil to use with my iPad for artwork. Long story short I looked on the Apple website, couldn't figure out what I was supposed to get to go with my iPad, did a google search for "Which Apple Pencil will work with my iPad" and here I am. I needed to figure out which iPad I had (7th Gen) and use the table to (finally) get which one I needed.

To say this is dumb is the understatement of the year.

 

[lartola]

I came to this article by way of looking for a pencil to use with my iPad for artwork. Long story short I looked on the Apple website, couldn't figure out what I was supposed to get to go with my iPad, did a google search for "Which Apple Pencil will work with my iPad" and here I am. I needed to figure out which iPad I had (7th Gen) and use the table to (finally) get which one I needed.

To say this is dumb is the understatement of the year.

You just need to look at the port on your ipad. If it’s lightning, as in the 7th gen, then you can only use the 1st gen pencil. I’m telling you this without ever looking at the table.

 

[AppliedMicro]

If it’s lightning, as in the 7th gen, then you can only use the 1st gen pencil. I’m telling you this without ever looking at the table.

But could you tell why the new third generation pencil (supposedly) won‘t work with the same iPad?

I mean, charging the thing shouldn’t be a problem, given that it’s got USB-C. If I had 7th gen Lightning iPad (and wanted to buy an Apple-branded pencil) I‘d still get the new USB-C pencil over the old Lightning one. Seems more future-proof to work with future iPads.