Apple introduced its new generation of M4 iPad Pro and iPad Air 6 at the May 7th event, alongside the compatible Apple Pencil Pro. This smart stylus is amazing, but figuring out which Apple Pencil is right for you can be a headache.
Both the Pro and 2nd generation versions cost $129. So, what do you get for your money? Let’s compare the Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil 2nd generation.
1. Design and Compatibility
If we start by comparing the Apple Pencil Pro and the 2nd generation Apple Pencil based on design, things might get confusing. These styluses are so visually similar that it’s difficult to immediately tell them apart.
The only tiny difference is that the Apple Pencil Pro has the word “Pencil Pro” written on it, while the older one just says “Pencil”.
A major difference between the new Apple Pencil Pro and the 2nd generation Apple Pencil is compatibility. While the 2nd generation Pencil works with several iPad Air and Pro models, the Pro version is only compatible with the latest M4 iPad Pro and iPad Air 6.
This is because the new iPads have a design change that prevents them from charging the older Pencil.
2. What Innovations Does Apple Pencil Pro Offer?
In addition to its standard features, the Apple Pencil Pro boasts several upgrades not found in the 2nd generation model. One key addition is a sensor that recognizes a user’s squeezing gesture, allowing for customizable actions or tool selection. This functionality is absent in the earlier version.
Double-tapping the Apple Pencil Pro’s body provides haptic feedback, typically used to switch functions like eraser or pen. Additionally, the new features like Smart Shapes helps with drawing straight lines by automatically correcting messy shapes. The Apple Pencil Pro provides haptic feedback during this correction.
With the new “Find My” integration on Apple Pencil Pro, you can easily locate the stylus from your iPad or the “Find My” app. This feature can help you find your stylus if you somehow lose it. Unfortunately, Pencil Pro is the first Apple stylus to use this new feature, which means you won’t find it in the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation.
3. Apple Pencil Pro vs Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Comparison
| Features | Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) iPad Air 13-inch (M2) iPad Air 11-inch (M2) | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th gen) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen) iPad Air (4th and 5th gen) iPad mini (6th gen) |
| Charging | Wireless magnetic attachment and charging | Wireless magnetic attachment and charging |
| Hover | Yes | Yes (but limited to certain iPad models) |
| Gestures | Double-tap for tool switching, customizable squeeze actions | Double-tap for tool switching |
| Haptic Feedback | Yes | No |
| Pressure Sensitivity | Yes | Yes |
| Tilt Sensitivity | Yes | Yes |
| Precision | Pixel-perfect | Pixel-perfect |
| Price | $129 | $129 |
4. Why Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Cost the Same?
Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer explaining Apple’s decision to price both styluses equally. Some speculate that the company is strategically pricing the less feature-rich Apple Pencil (2nd generation) the same as the Pencil Pro to make the latter seem more attractive. This could be a tactic to drive interest in their newer tablet models. However, this remains speculation.
If you’re trying to decide between the two, the answer depends on your needs: If you’re purchasing a new iPad Air or Pro and have the budget, the Pencil Pro is the clear choice. If you already own a compatible iPad from recent years, the 2nd generation Pencil might be a more suitable option.
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