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.

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.

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.

Apple Pencil Pro vs Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Comparison

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.

RELATED:

• iPad Air 6th Gen vs iPad Air 5th Gen: Did Apple finally deliver a worthy next-gen upgrade?
• Apple iPad Pro (2024) vs iPad Pro (2022): Which flagship tablet should you buy?
• WhatsApp Last Seen Not Updating? Here’s How to Fix It
• Apple iPad Pro 2024’s New Tandem OLED Display Explained

The post Apple Pencil Pro vs Apple Pencil 2nd Gen: Don’t Be Fooled by Appearances appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last month Apple announced the MacBook Air M3 laptop. Now, the Cupertino-based tech giant is gearing up to unveil new devices.

The company has scheduled a launch event in just a couple of weeks. It is titled ‘Let Loose’ and shows an artistic render hinting at the upcoming devices.

Numerous rumors in the past have revealed that Apple will unveil the next-generation iPads. These have been long overdue as last year marked the first time the company did not announce a single new tablet. 

Apple Let Loose Event Date 

The Apple Let Loose event is set to take place on May 7 at 7 am PT. It will be a virtual event and can be live-streamed on the company’s official YouTube channel, the Apple TV app, and the Apple Events website.

The artistic render of the event shows the Pencil along with the Apple logo in various colors suggesting the graphic design capabilities. This hints at the arrival of the next-generation iPads along with accessories like a new Pencil and Magic Keyboard. 

What we know so far about the upcoming iPads

The iPad Pros and iPad Air are expected to be the centre stage of Apple’s upcoming event. As per rumours, the former will arrive with major upgrades after the last one being in 2018. They will boast an OLED display, slightly larger dimensions, and a thinner design.

The seventh-generation iPad Pro models will be powered by the latest M3 processor offering a performance bump. They will reportedly support MagSafe charging. 

Meanwhile, for the iPad Air lineup, Apple will introduce a larger 12.9-inch model for the first time alongside the regular 10.9-inch variant. A CAD-based leaked render revealed that the upcoming iPad Air will have a pill-shaped camera island on the rear that looks similar to the iPhone XS. The next-generation offerings are expected to be equipped with a M2 processor. 

Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard to tag along

Although Apple does not explicitly reveal the products that would be launching, a post by CEO Tim Cook on X says ‘Pencil us in for May 7’. This confirms that the company will indeed announce a new generation that will probably be called Apple Pencil 3.

Barring the cheaper Pencil with USB-C that was released last October, the last generation Apple Pencil debuted way back in 2018. The Apple Pencil 3 is expected to come with Find My support that will enable tracking it if it gets lost.

The accessory will feature interchangeable magnetic tips. Rumours also suggest that it will have a ‘squeeze’ gesture and be compatible with the Vision Pro headset. 

The Apple Magic Keyboard is also expected to get a long overdue upgrade. It will reportedly have a larger trackpad, an aluminium build, and will ditch the current floating design. This will make the iPad look more like a traditional laptop. 

Related:

• Apple has acquired French startup Datakalab, which could enrich its on-device model for iPhone 16
• You can Snag the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) in India at a Rs 2,499 discount, Here’s How
• Save big with the best Apple AirPods Deals available right now
• Apple needs to release a budget iPhone to grow its sales

The post Apple ‘Let Loose’ Event Set For May 7: What To Expect & Everything We Know Till Now appeared first on Gizmochina.

It has been merely a few months since Apple launched their new mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro. Rumors suggest Apple is internally testing a new Apple Pencil that works with the headset. This could allow users to draw directly within Vision Pro applications like Freeform and Pixelmator. Read on to find out more.

The new pencil could allow drawing directly within Vision Pro apps

The specifics of how VisionOS, the operating system for Vision Pro, will integrate Apple Pencil support remain unclear. However, one exciting possibility involves using the Pencil to draw on real-world surfaces like desktops and having those drawings appear in real-time within the Vision Pro virtual space, complete with pressure and tilt sensitivity. This essentially transforms your surroundings into a giant canvas for creative expression.

While whispers suggest the new Apple Pencil might be unveiled alongside the upcoming iPad Pro and iPad Air refresh in April, there’s no confirmation yet on its compatibility with VisionOS. Compatibility hinges on a software update as well, and it’s uncertain which version will introduce the feature. The first beta of visionOS 1.2 might be available to developers this week, with visionOS 2 expected to be announced at WWDC in June.

It’s important to note, as with many of Apple’s ongoing projects, even if this Apple Pencil with VisionOS support passes internal testing, there’s no guarantee of a final release. However, the prospect of drawing in mid-air with the Apple Pencil is undoubtedly something special, and future developments are worth keeping an eye on.

RELATED:

• The Apple Vision Pro will potentially reach 9 other countries including China, soon
• This $8000 Caviar iPhone 15 Pro is Inspired by the Apple Vision Pro’s Design
• Big Discount: AOOSTAR R1 N100 NAS Mini PC Only For $159
• Lenovo Legion Y700 2023: Save $100 on this 8-inch gaming Android tablet
• How to hide WhatsApp chats without archive

(Via)

The post Apple is Secretly Testing a New Apple Pencil for their Vision Pro Headset appeared first on Gizmochina.

Today, Apple has introduced its third generation Apple Pencil. It is an affordable offering compared to the second-generation pencil. However, the caveat? It is a downgraded version with fewer features compared to the previous model. The new accessory is all about value offering enough for note-taking, journaling, etc but definitely not ideal for creative professionals. It is positioned between the original first-generation and second-generation offerings. 

Apple Pencil (USB-C) specifications and features

The newest Apple Pencil retains the same design as the previous models with a matte finish and a flat side that can be attached magnetically to the side of the iPad. However, it lacks wireless charging and instead, the accessory will go into a sleep state to preserve the battery life. The new Apple Pencil measures 7.5 x 155mm and weighs 20.5 grams

In terms of usage, the new Apple Pencil offers pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity. It supports the hover feature on the iPad Pro models. However, the latest version misses out on the pressure sensitivity, wireless charging and pairing, and double tap features which are found on the 2nd generation pencil.

Apple has added a sliding cap on the newest Pencil that reveals a USB-C port for charging. The accessory is also compatible with USB-C-supported iPads. These include third to sixth-generation iPad Pro 12.9, first to fourth-generation iPad Pro 11, fourth and fifth-generation iPad Air, tenth-generation iPad, and lastly, the sixth-generation iPad Mini.

The new Apple Pencil with USB-C is priced at $79 ($69 for education), €95, Rs 7,900. It will be available for purchase starting in early November. 

Related:

• Apple’s New Facetime Reactions are Getting Triggered during FaceTime Calls
• Apple could launch M3 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air next year
• Apple reportedly working on a more affordable Vision Pro alternative
• Apple Watch Series 1 Is Now Vintage

The post Apple Pencil Announced As A Value Offering With USB-C But Downgraded Features appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple is rumored to launch Apple Pencil 3 tomorrow, October 17, 2023, according to a report from the Japanese blog Mac Otakara. The report states that the third-generation Apple Pencil will come with a “replaceable magnet tip.”

This rumor corroborates with leaker “Majin Bu,” who said last month that the new Apple Pencil would feature interchangeable magnetic tips for drawing, technical drawing, and digital painting. It would also make it easier to replace the tip if it becomes worn or damaged. 

Bu also tipped that Apple Pencil 3 will have more precision and greater battery life.

Apple currently sells two generations of the Apple Pencil on the market, the second-gen of which was released in 2018. The second-generation Apple Pencil has a non-magnetic tip, with replacement tips available. It attaches magnetically to 2018 and newer iPad Pro models, 2020 and newer iPad Air models, and the latest iPad mini. In the U.S., it is priced at $129.

The first-generation Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector is still available for the tenth-generation entry-level iPad and some older iPad models. It has been rumored that this Apple Pencil model might be updated with a USB-C connector soon. The original Apple Pencil was released in November 2015 for $99.

This news comes after Sami Fathi from Supercharged revealed that Apple is planning to launch new iPads tomorrow. But reliable Apple analyst Mark Gurman later suggested that new iPads will not be released this month.

Related:

• Entire Apple iPhone 16 series to feature A18 Bionic chipset: Report
• Apple Festive Season Sale Begins in India with Discounts on iPhones, Macs, and More
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro to feature new ultra wide camera & Wi-Fi 7: Analyst
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Xiaomi 13T Pro: Specs Comparison
• Redmi Note 13 vs Redmi Note 13 Pro: Specs Comparison

(Via)

The post Apple may launch new Apple Pencil tomorrow appeared first on Gizmochina.

Although customers like Apple products, it is indisputable that their prices are expensive. Although the company has released affordable devices such as the 10th Gen iPad to solve this situation, it is not enough. For example, someone who buys the iPad I mentioned has to buy a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil in order to use all the features. Unfortunately, these products are also quite expensive. Unfortunately, these products are also quite expensive, but allegedly, Apple worked on a cheap Apple Pencil that would eliminate this problem, but gave up at the last minute.

The ‘cheap’ Apple Pencil would have sold for $49

According to a post on Weibo, Apple scrapped plans for a $50 version of the Apple Pencil, even though already entered mass production. This version of the Apple Pencil allegedly featured iPhone compatibility and also would have solved one of the big complaints about the 10th Gen iPad. As you know, the cheap iPad now uses USB-C, but the compatible Apple Pencil is charged via lightning, which requires users to buy an extra $9 dongle (sold separately).

The source says that Apple had a new Apple Pencil in the works, codenamed “Marker,” that it was planning to release at its September iPhone 14 event. Apple was reportedly targeting a price of around $49 for this accessory, making it significantly cheaper than the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Apple Pencil 2. Current models are currently priced at $129 and $99.

Unfortunately, its affordable price would also cause us to lose some features. Cheap Apple Pencil apparently didn’t feature pressure-sensing technology or a battery inside. Instead of this, the company developed a chip that would be used to power the stylus through the screen. We’ve seen this technology before on Samsung’s S-Pen models.

In addition, it was planned to be compatible with iPhones. Unfortunately, other Apple Pencil models did not work on phone screens. This could be annoying, especially considering the size of the iPhone Pro Max. Unfortunately, for an unknown reason, this product was cancelled.

RELATED:

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Series to Feature Solid-State Touch Buttons Instead of Mechanical Buttons
• Apple iPhone SE 4 to reportedly launch as a flagship-killer smartphone
• Apple iPhone 15 May Feature a Curved Titanium Frames
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro to launch with exclusive features to help brand sell more…
• Apple Watch help save an Indian teen’s life after a 150-ft fall in a…

(Via)

The post Apple Planned to Release a Cheap Apple Pencil appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has just announced a new entry level iPad model for the Indian market. However, this new generation of iPad did not drop alone as the company also brought support for the first generation Apple Pencil as well. But, there appears to be an odd issue of port compatibility between the two products.

For those unaware, the new iPad 2022 model comes with a USB Type C port, which is the next gen standard for the large screened devices. Furthermore, the new iPad 2022 model starts from 44,900 INR and is over 10,000 INR more expensive than its predecessor. Although, in terms of specs, it is closer to the iPad Air M1 model. But unfortunately, the 1st Generation Apple Pencil only charges over a Lightning port. So, how will one charge the stylus with the iPad? Simple, buy the brand’s 900 INR USB Type C Apple Pencil adapter.

As of right now, the new entry level iPad only works with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil, despite being a current gen iPad model. This seems especially more weird considering that the iPhone maker has launched the iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro to all support the 2nd Gen Pencil. So, it appears that the brand launched the latest gen entry level iPad with USB Type C port, but is pushing users to buy a dedicated adapter to get the full functionality of the tablet when used with a stylus.

As per official description, the 1st Gen Pencil charges with the 10th Gen iPad. It reads “the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required to pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation) with iPad (10th generation). Your Apple Pencil plugs into one end of the adapter and the USB-C Charge Cable from your iPad plugs into the other.”

RELATED:

• Apple’s upcoming 14 inch and 16 inch MacBook Pro models to reportedly launch next month
• Apple TV 4K with A15 Bionic chip launched in India, offers HDR10+ support
• Apple iPad Pro powered by M2 chipset and WiFi 6E connectivity goes official
• Apple iPad (10th gen) with a revamped design, 10.9 inch display launched: price, specifications

The post New iPad with USB-C oddly supports Apple Pencil with Lightning port appeared first on Gizmochina.

Recently, we had reported on rumors that suggested that Apple might be planning on removing the Touch Bar from its MacBook Pro lineup entirely. While the next gen MacBook is still a while away, a new concept render has just surfaced, which replaces the Touch Bar with a Pencil dock.

According to a PatentlyApple report, the US Patent and Trademark Office published a new patent from the Cupertino based giant that depicts a MacBook Pro with a Pencil dock rather than a Touch Bar. This dock is housed exactly where a Touch Bar would be placed, which is right above the keyboard. The dock is also built into the laptop so it can be closed while a Pencil is placed there. Apparently, the Pencil dock could also have the company replace the Top F key row with the functional symbols being illuminated on the Pencil itself.

Furthermore, designer Sarang Sheth (Via 9To5Mac) made 3D concept render models of this patent to showcase the design in more detail. Looking at these renders, one can observe that the new MacBook Pro would features touch gestures with the inclusion of the Pencil but it will also feature a much smaller version of the Touch Bar for Siri and quick access to certain applications as well.

Unfortunately, this is still just a patent as of right now and we have no way of knowing if Apple is actually planning on having a Pencil dock on its next gen MacBook Pro models. Although, it does confirm that the iPhone maker has considered the idea of removing the Touch Bar in favor of another system. So stay tuned for more updates.

RELATED:

• Honor to grab high end smartphone market share from Apple: CEO
• Apple iPhone 13 series to reportedly come with bigger batteries, wider mmWave 5G support and more
• Apple reportedly in talks with Korean partners for the Apple car

The post Apple MacBook Pro concept replaces the Touch Bar with Pencil dock appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has been working on a foldable iPhone for a few years now and now it seems that the project is moving ahead with a possible launch in a couple of years. As the project is developing, more details about the device have started surfacing online.

In the latest report, it is being said that the device will now come with support for a stylus but it is not yet clear if the smartphone will support the current Apple Pencil or come with a completely new stylus.

Recently, it was reported that the Cupertino-based giant has finalized a clamshell design for the foldable iPhone, which is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. It is said that the company will be using a Ceramic Shield glass which will be chemically treated, enabling it to handle a significant level of tolerance when it is folded or unfolded.

It is also reported that the foldable iPhone from Apple will be affordable compared to other similar offerings in this segment. But given that the device is expected to launch in 2023, it makes sense as the cost of components required for the foldable smartphones will come down by then. There’s also a possibility that the phone’s launch could get pushed further away if the company faces any hardware or production issues.

Meanwhile, Apple is also focusing on its ‘Project Titan’ which is an autonomous electric vehicle that is being referred to as Apple Car. The company held talks with several automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan, but it has not been able to find a partner.

RELATED: 

• Apple iPhone 13 rumors suggest a portless design, astrophotography, and other features
• Apple reportedly approached Nissan for its autonomous car but talks ended after branding disagreement
• Apple plans iPhone 13 Mini launch despite poor sales of iPhone 12 Mini

The post Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone to reportedly come with support for stylus appeared first on Gizmochina.

If Apple’s newly published patent application by the United States Patent and Trademark Office is to be believed, then the company is working on a new technology for the Apple Pencil that could enable the device to sample real-world colors.

The patent application from Apple is titled “Computer System With Color Sampling Stylus” and it describes a scenario where the Apple Pencil can sensor or detect real-life colors that can then be used in digital arts, drawings, edits, and more.

Apart from drawings, the color sensor can also be used for other purposes, such as calibrating displays, calibrating printers, making health-related measurements, and identifying paint colors for home projects.

As for the design, the patent describes Apple Pencil or a Stylus device having a design with an elongated body, a tip, and an opposing end, where the tip will be able to work with a touch-sensitive display. The color sensor functionality could be located at the end of the stylus, at the tip, or coupled to the tip through a light source.

EDITOR’S PICK: Apple Pays a hefty amount to Samsung Display after missing OLED panel orders

The company says that the color sensor may have more than one photodetectors each of which measures light for a different respective color channel. It may also come with one or more light-emitting devices to illuminate an external object to determine the color.

Do note that most companies patent all kinds of technologies and designs even though they have no plans of launching the same commercially. Since most patents for technology don’t make it to the market, it remains to be seen if this color-sensing Apple Pencil sees the light of the day anytime soon.

UP NEXT: BOE is reportedly supplying on-cell OLED panels for Huawei Mate 40 series

The post Next-generation Apple Pencil could sense colors in real life, suggests new patent appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Apple Pencil may be getting some really cool upgrades in the future. According to the United States Trademark and Patent Office (USPTO), Apple has received a patent for a stylus with a built-in camera and more.

The patent description said the stylus will have a touch-sensitive area with support for gestures such as taps, rotations, and swipes or a combination of gestures. This version of the Apple Pencil will also be able to distinguish between a user simply holding it or performing an actual gesture. The current Apple Pencil allows you to switch between tools such as a pen and an eraser by double-tapping the side of the stylus.

The patent also states that the stylus may also be able to detect biological characteristics of the user such as heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature, etc.

One other patent listed mentions a version of the Apple with a built-in camera. The camera will be able to capture the physical characteristics of a surface and visually reproduce it on the screen of the iPad.

Another patent has a haptic feedback feature that replicates the feeling of drawing on paper while another mentions the stylus having a fingerprint scanner so that it can be used to unlock the iPad and also to carry out payments.

It is not yet known which of these features will eventually make it to a commercial product. However, we have a feeling the new gestures may come with the Apple Pencil that will launch with the upcoming iPad Pro. Renders of the upcoming tablet leaked a few weeks ago and they revealed the next-gen iPad will have triple rear cameras.

UP NEXT: Apple Accused of stealing Health Monitoring tech for its Watch

(Source, Via)

The post Apple granted a patent for Apple Pencil with a built-in camera appeared first on Gizmochina.

One of the features of the 6th-gen iPad released this year is support for the Apple Pencil. Before its release, the Apple Pencil only worked with the iPad Pro. Apple charges $99/RMB 741 for the pencil but not everyone is willing to shell out an extra Benjamin. Logitech has a cheaper alternative called the Crayon but it has a few drawbacks.

The Logitech Crayon is designed for students and it is evident from its color which is silver with pink accents. Sadly, that is the only color variant available and the only gripe we have with its design. The Crayon has a “flat” design so it doesn’t roll off the table, unlike the Apple Pencil.

In terms of functions, you get some of the features of the Apple Pencil such as tilt support and palm rejection and also support for a wide variety of apps but you miss out on others such as pressure sensitivity. It also has a shorter battery life, 7 hours against the Pencil’s 12 hours. Support is limited to the 6th Gen iPad only and if you need a new tip, you have to buy that separately.

The Logitech Crayon has some advantages of its own over the Apple Pencil like its dedicated on/off button and its cheaper price tag – $69 in the US ($49 for students and teachers) and RMB 548 in China (no student or teacher discount in China).

READ MORE: Apple releases iOS 12.0.1 update, fixes charging issues, Wi-Fi bug, and more

So should you buy the Logitech Crayon or the Apple Pencil? If you live in the US and you want to purchase one for your child, the Crayon seems like a better option. Plus it’s cheaper to replace. If you live in China and want to get one for your child, the Apple Pencil is the way to go as Apple sells it for RMB 600 students and teachers which is a better deal than the Crayon which doesn’t have a student/teacher discount. An adult is better off with the Apple Pencil in both countries.

(Via)

The post Logitech Crayon is a cheaper alternative to the Apple Pencil but with a few drawbacks appeared first on Gizmochina.