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Why is the Apple Pencil So Expensive?
Apple Pencil, a cutting-edge tool designed for the iPad, stands out in the market for its remarkable functionality and steep price. Don’t get us wrong – it does make you a lot more productive on your iPad Pro and for many users that cost will be negligible compared to how much faster they can get things done. Apple has integrated several innovative technologies in the stylus to enhance the user experience and deliver unparalleled performance. The funds allocated to R&D ensure that the quality of Apple products not only meets high standards but also continues to evolve with the changing technological landscape.
Products under the Apple banner often command higher prices due to the brand’s reputation for quality, innovation, and design excellence. Precision and accuracy are hallmarks of the Apple Pencil, making it a preferred tool for professionals and creatives. Products like the Logitech Crayon or the AmazonBasics Executive Stylus offer some of the features of the Apple Pencil at a lower cost. While not every iPad user may find it a necessary purchase, for those who require its advanced features and seamless integration, the Apple Pencil represents a worthwhile investment.
Everything You Need to Know About the Apple Pencil
There’s a small plastic tip (which can be replaced) that contacts the iPad’s display, a pencil-like body to hold onto, and a charging mechanism. The Apple Pencil is used in lieu of a finger for precision tasks like writing and sketching, and it can also be used for navigating through the operating system. It’s excellent for drawing, art creation, note taking, and similar tasks because it’s precise, has palm rejection, and offers tilt sensitivity and (on some models) pressure sensitivity. You can put your hand right on the iPad while you write, which, for a long time, was functionality other styluses were not able to accurately replicate.
The first- and second-generation Apple Pencil models have much of the same functionality, but the latest USB-C Apple Pencil has a lower price point and lacks some of the functionality available in the more expensive models. We have a chart below that outlines the differences between the Apple Pencil models, and we also have a dedicated buyer’s guide with more information about which you should choose for your iPad.
Apple Pencil (first-generation, 2015) Apple Pencil (second-generation, 2018) Apple Pencil (USB-C, 2023) Glossy finish Matte finish Matte finish Weighted to prevent rolling Flat edge to prevent rolling and snap to the side of an iPad Flat edge to prevent rolling and snap to the side of an iPad Attaches magnetically for storage, pairing, and charging Attaches magnetically for storage Removable cap Non-removable sliding cap Lightning connector USB-C port Pair and charge via Lightning port or USB-C cable and USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter Pair and charge wirelessly Pair and charge via USB-C cable Pressure sensitivity Pressure sensitivity Supports Apple Pencil hover on M2 iPad Pro models Supports Apple Pencil hover on M2 iPad Pro models Double-tap to change tools Free engraving option $99 $129 $79 The second-generation Apple Pencil designed to charge inductively through the iPad Pro so you stick it on the right side of the iPad in the flat area to initiate charging, with the Apple Pencil held onto the device using magnets.
The original Apple Pencil, manufactured from 2015 on with the round body design and Lightning connector, is compatible with the following devices:
The second-generation Apple Pencil with a smaller footprint and inductive charging capabilities is compatible with the following devices: The Apple Pencil has a rich feature set, allowing it to be used for any precision task, or as a replacement for a finger when navigating through iOS. – Depending on how much pressure is placed on the iPad while writing or drawing, a line can be thicker or thinner.
Tilt Sensitivity – Apple Pencil is designed to work like a regular pencil, so if you hold it at an angle and press the side of the tip alongside the iPad for something like shading, it works. Apple Pencil latency is as low as 9ms on iPads with 120Hz displays (the iPad Pro models from 2017 and later).
Apple Pencil latency is as low as 9ms on iPads with 120Hz displays (the iPad Pro models from 2017 and later). – The second-generation version of the Apple Pencil supports touch gestures. – If you take a screenshot on your iPad and then tap it when a preview appears in the corner, you can draw and write on it using the Apple Pencil through a feature called Markup. Apple Pencil also works with tons of third-party apps for note taking, drawing, sketching, and more.
It has all kinds of features for writing, sketching, annotating PDFs, and more, plus there are plenty of paper styles and it can scan documents, record audio clips, and more. It has all kinds of features for writing, sketching, annotating PDFs, and more, plus there are plenty of paper styles and it can scan documents, record audio clips, and more.
Linea Sketch ($4.99) – If you like to jot down ideas and make quick drawings, Linea Sketch is easy to learn, easy to use, and has a useful range of tools for you to take advantage of.
Prior to when the Apple Pencil came out, styluses either had a fine hard tip and were battery powered to activate the capacitive display of the iPad, or had a wide, rubber finger-shaped tip that was not accurate. Palm rejection was all done via software by individual app creators and it didn’t work reliably, plus connections were all done via Bluetooth rather than the automatic process that the Apple Pencil uses. For anyone who wants to take advantage of the iPad for drawing, sketching, note taking, or other similar activities, the Apple Pencil is absolutely worth the money, but for those who don’t need all of the advanced features, there are some similar styluses on the market like the much more affordable Logitech Crayon.
With the 2023 launch of the USB-C Apple Pencil, however, it’s unclear when we might see another updated model. Have questions about the Apple Pencil, know of a feature we left out, or want to offer feedback on this guide?
Apple introduces new Apple Pencil, bringing more value and choice to the lineup
With pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, the new Apple Pencil is ideal for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more. “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.”
Buy Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) delivers pixel-perfect precision and industry-leading low latency, making it great for drawing, sketching, coloring, taking notes, marking up PDFs, and more.
Amazon.com: Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): Pixel-Perfect Precision and Industry-Leading Low Latency, Perfect for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Signing documents. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs magnetically.
The pressure and tilt sensitivity enable precise control over line thickness and shading, allowing for intricate detailing and realistic drawing effects. The pairing process is effortless, and once connected, the iPad recognizes the Apple Pencil instantly, offering a smooth and lag-free experience. The palm rejection technology ensures that only the pencil tip registers on the screen, allowing for a comfortable and natural drawing or writing experience without any accidental marks. This intuitive feature saves time and enhances workflow, providing quick access to commonly used functions or brushes, making the creative process even more efficient. If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your iPad as a creative tool, the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is an investment that will undoubtedly enhance your digital experience.
Buy Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) delivers pixel-perfect precision and industry-leading low latency, making it great for drawing, sketching, coloring, taking notes, marking up PDFs, and more.
Apple introduces new Apple Pencil, bringing more value and choice to the lineup
With pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, the new Apple Pencil is ideal for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more. “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.”
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