Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Overview

Design and Usability

The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) feels like a proper evolution of the original. It’s sleeker, lighter, and finally gets rid of the awkward charging method. Instead, it snaps magnetically to the side of your iPad, where it charges, pairs, and stays out of the way when you’re not using it. Super clean, super convenient.

It also adds a touch-sensitive surface, so you can double-tap to switch tools like flipping from pen to eraser without digging through menus. Once you start using it, it’s hard to imagine going back.

Performance and Features

When it comes to performance, this Pencil is still top of the line. It offers pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and tilt support everything you need to sketch, draw, annotate, or just take fast handwritten notes. It reacts instantly, making it feel like an extension of your hand.

If you’re using it with an iPad Pro (6th gen 12.9" or 4th gen 11"), you also get Apple Pencil hover. That means the screen can detect the tip even before it touches the surface, letting you preview brush strokes or make subtle adjustments before committing. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference.

Compatibility

The 2nd-gen Apple Pencil works with newer iPads that support magnetic attachment, mainly iPad Pro models and a few iPad Air ones. It won’t work with older Lightning-based iPads, so check your model before picking one up.