[This article was originally published on April 26, 2017. We've updated it to reflect the most recent Apple Pencil 2 rumors. Find and read the original Apple Pencil 2 article on the second half of this page.]
The Apple Pencil is already a top-of-the-line stylus and the perfect accessory for any of Apple’s iPad Pro tablets. But there are a slew of rumors suggesting that Apple is planning on giving the Apple Pencil some serious upgrades. Here’s everything that we know about the so-called Apple Pencil 2.
Apple Pencil 2 Design Changes
At this point, there aren’t many rumors pointing toward the actual appearance of the Apple Pencil 2. But we don’t expect it to be radically redesigned.
On the other hand, there is some evidence in the supply chain that Apple may add a magnetic point so that the new Apple Pencil 2 could attach to the side of an iPad.
Those same reports also indicate that the new stylus could have a pocket clip, though it isn’t clear whether it would be removable or fixed.
Apple Pencil 2 Connectivity
Recent reports suggest that the Apple Pencil 2 will be able to seamlessly connect to an iPad using Bluetooth and a W-series chip. That would allow seamless connectivity similar to Apple’s AirPods.
That could come with other benefits as well, such as the ability to use the Find My iPhone app to locate a lost Apple Pencil.
A recent regulatory filing for an obscure “Bluetooth device,” which was filed alongside new iPad models, also lends some credibility to these rumors.
Apple Pencil 2 Additional App Compatibility
A Chinese-language news site, citing sources within Apple’s supply chain, suggests that the company could expand optimized support for the new Apple Pencil 2. Specifically, that means compatibility “with a large number of applications,” the source told the site, Wei Feng.
Unfortunately, the rumor doesn’t get much more detailed than that. So we can only assume that it means Apple will optimize Apple Pencil 2 support for a larger number of apps.
Apple Pencil 2 Features
Other than the aforementioned features, there’s been talk of other new additions to the Apple Pencil 2 product. Mostly, these rumors are sourced from Apple patents filed in the last few years.
- One patent, for example, could suggest that the Apple Pencil 2 will work on non-touch surfaces — allowing users to mimic a Wacom-tablet functionality on iPad and Mac.
- Another patent hints that the Apple Pencil 2 could have exchangeable tips in different sizes and shapes. This same patent also suggests that the rear of an Apple Pencil could be used an eraser and that the device could feature Touch ID.
- A third patent suggests compatibility with Mac trackpads and force sensors that could detect rotation and pressure, allowing the Apple Pencil to “draw” in mid-air.
Of course, since these are just patents, they aren’t guaranteed to end up being used in the Apple Pencil 2.
Apple Pencil 2 Release Date
Because it’s likely that the Apple Pencil 2 will launch alongside new iPad Pro models, we can pinpoint a tentative release date.
Apple recently sent out press invites for a second fall keynote that will kick off 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Oct. 30.
Based on the fact that new iPads (and Macs) are expected at the event, it’s likely that the Apple Pencil 2 will be announced there, too.
[Original article April 26, 2017]
Apple’s iPad Pro hasn’t been refreshed in quite some time, leaving eager buyers wondering “When can I get my hands on Apple’s next generation iPad?” Most recent reports suggest that refreshed Apple iPads won’t be released until the second-half of 2017, and at that time, we might see three iPad Pro varieties. Also in the works is Apple’s highly anticipated Apple Pencil 2.
Apple Pencil 2 Rumors
Apple will reportedly release an upgraded, second-generation version of the Apple Pencil alongside new iPad Pro models this year, according to rumors emanating from the company’s Chinese supply chain. The so-called “Apple Pencil 2” is expected to feature a magnetic system that will allow it to attach to the side of an iPad or iPad Pro — temporarily fixing the issue of where to keep the Pencil when it’s not in use, Letem Svetem Applem reported.
This report does line up with a patent Apple acquired in September. That patent covers a permanent magnetic system that could allow an Apple Pencil to attach to the side of an iPad, or for two iPads to be attached together. It has been rumored that the Apple Pencil 2 could be charged by the iPad it’s connected to magnetically, negating the awkward charging position posed by the first generation Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil 2 Release Date
The Apple Pencil 2’s release date isn’t set in stone yet, however there has been much speculation that Apple could announce the Apple Pencil 2 alongside new iPad Pro models at WWDC 2017 in June.
Apple Pencil 2 Price
Apple traditionally keeps the price of its products consistent through refreshes, even though we’ve recently seen some dramatic price increases from the Apple TV, as well as the 2016 MacBook Pro, and we are even expecting a price increase for the iPhone 8. But we’ve also seen a reduction in price for products like the Apple Watch, who some claimed was priced too high at launch. The current generation Apple Pencil isn’t exactly cheap at $99, but we can expect Apple to maintain the price of the Apple Pencil 2, at $99, while reducing the first generation Apple Pencil to $59-$69.
Summary: Apple Pencil 2 and iPad Pro 2 Visualizations
- Apple Pencil 2 is now charged wirelessly via the iPad Pro 2 when it is attached magnetically.
- Apple Pencil 2 now features a soft rubber-like material designed for better grip and precision.
- iPad Pro 2 has a much wider, and slightly taller, nearly edge-to-edge display.
- iPad Pro 2 has thinner bezels around the display for a more aesthetically pleasing design.
iDrop News, Copyright 2017. Attribution required.
