It was in 2015 when Apple introduced the first iPad Pro , and with it a stylus (which could be purchased as an option, by the way), christened Apple Pencil . Although it is true that Steve Jobs , former CEO of the company who died in October 2011, always remained against the sale of this type of device, the truth is that since then it has become an extremely useful tool for drawing, make illustrations and take notes , among many other features.
To the point that, at the end of 2018, the company with the bitten apple decided to launch the second version of its stylus, known under the name of Apple Pencil 2 , which has some notable differences with its predecessor.
What is the Apple Pencil and what does it consist of?
The Apple Pencil is a smart stylus developed by Apple, which first came to light at the end of 2015, in the hands of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. And what does a smart stylus consist of? Basically it is an electronic device that has a design similar to a common pen or pencil, with the difference that it offers us the possibility of writing digitally on the screen of a digital tablet.
It is tremendously useful, therefore, when writing, signing or drawing effortlessly on all types of devices that have a touch screen, which involves not only the use of the digital tablet itself, but even a smartphone (or smartphone).
Thus, the stylus uses a pressure system, and the touch screen is able to recognize that pressure through a series of sensors. For this, the screen where we use it must have light to be able to interact with the luminous sensors of the device, which ends up replacing the use of the finger, thereby avoiding uncomfortable scratches and stains on the screens.
In the case of the Apple Pencil, we are faced with a device similar to a traditional pencil, but that has a definitely very Apple-style design . For example, it has a plastic tip (which can be easily replaced), which connects to the iPad screen, a body similar to a pencil in order to be able to hold it with the fingers, and a charging mechanism (the The original version, for example, has a Lightning connector, while the second-generation model charges inductively).
Advantages of using Apple Pencil 1 and 2
Both versions have similar functions, in such a way that it is possible to use them for any precision task. Here are some of its most important features:
- Sensitivity to pressure. Depending on the pressure that the user exerts on the iPad when drawing or writing, the line can be thinner or thicker.
- Tilt sensitivity. Designed to work like a normal pencil, depending on the angle as we hold it or the pressure we exert we could draw as a shading.
- Palm rejection. When the Apple Pencil is connected to the iPad, the system is able to recognize only the tip of the device, so we can lean on the screen to draw or take notes without fear that our work will be ruined. The result? We can write or illustrate comfortably.
- Pencil-like design. Although this objective has become much more evident in the second version, from the first it is clear that Apple designed the device in order to feel it when we use it as if it were a pencil, feeling it like a real writing instrument.
- Quick and simple pairing. When we try to connect our Apple Pencil to the iPad we should not worry about Bluetooth connectivity, except the first time we use it. In fact, it is capable of connecting automatically.
In any case, we did find some interesting differences in the second version of the device, such as:
- Touch gestures. By performing a double tap, the Apple Pencil 2 can switch between the different tools available in the applications. For example, if we are using an application to take notes or draw, it offers us the possibility to quickly switch between a pencil tool and an eraser tool.
- Inductive load. Charging through Lightning present in the first version became a discomfort for many users, which Apple solved with the inductive charging of the second model.
Main differences between Apple Pencil 1 and 2
So far there are two versions of the Apple Pencil: the first version that was officially launched in 2015, and the second version, launched in 2018. Although it is true that both do practically the same thing, they have different designs and charging mechanisms. .
Compatibility
One of the main differences we find between the two is compatibility. For example, the Apple Pencil 2 works with the iPad Pro models from 2018 onwards, while the Apple Pencil would work with the rest of iPads, but not all (you can learn more in our article titled How to connect the Apple Pencil to your iPad easily and compatible models).
To give just a simple example, the second generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (third generation) and the 11-inch iPad Pro.
Design and functionality
We also distinguish differences in design . For example, it is clear that the Apple Pencil 2 has a much more elegant appearance, as well as being more compact and smaller compared to the Apple Pencil 1, mainly due to the fact that it does not have a Lightning port.
Although it is a matter of taste, the second version has a design more similar to that of a traditional pencil , mainly due to the fact that it has a flat side and a kind of sanded design, which greatly improves its texture. However, the Apple Pencil 1 is rounder, and completely smooth.
Load
Thus, while the first version was designed to be plugged into the Lightning port of an iPad in order to charge it (or by using a cable, using the adapter that comes with the device), the second model incorporates inductive charging. , in such a way that it is designed to be loaded when we dock it to the right area of the iPad, specifically in the flat area specially designed for this purpose.
And what about the downsides?
There is no doubt that one of the main disadvantages that we find in the Apple Pencil is its price , both that of the first version and that of the second. Not surprisingly, while the Apple Pencil 2 is priced at 135 euros, the Apple Pencil 1 costs 99 euros (updated prices obtained from Apple’s official website).
This makes many users prefer to opt for similar devices, with similar technical features and functionalities, but at lower prices.
We can also mention another not inconsiderable disadvantage: compatibility . What makes the device (even the first version) may not be compatible with that old iPad that we have at home, and that we still continue to use every day. Therefore, remember that it is always essential to review the compatibility list taking into account which version you want to purchase.
