Apple redesigned its Apple Pencil with new features that would’ve made a believer out of late company co-founder and stylus-hater Steve Jobs.
OK, maybe not. But creatives who took to the first Apple Pencil despite its design flaws are going to appreciate the new version launched today in Brooklyn, New York.
Apple Pencil 2: USB-C, magnets and more
Apple Pencil 2 attaches magnetically to the side of the new iPad Pro and automatically engages in wireless charging and better device pairing. Its predecessor, which launched three years ago, plugged into the iPad’s Lightning port and stuck straight out. That made on-the-go charging awkward at best.
The new iPad Pro also makes the move to USB-C, requiring a retooling of the pencil’s charging feature. The flat edge that attaches to the iPad prevents the stylus from rolling off a surface.
Apple Pencil 2 also includes a finger tap gesture to switch between writing/drawing mode to the eraser.
Still, Apple Pencil is an iPad accessory, so the redesigned second-gen stylus nearly got lost in today’s product launch. New beefier versions of the MacBook Air and Mac mini, along with new iPad Pros, rightfully got most of the spotlight.
Photo: Apple
However, the Apple Pencil 2 enjoyed a powerful close-up during a presentation from Adobe. The presenter showed off the full power of Adobe Photoshop running on the iPad Pro. (It’s basically the desktop version reconfigured for touchscreens.) She used the Apple Pencil 2 to manipulate colors and move elements around on a photo, using the tap gesture on the new Apple Pencil to zoom in and out.
Cupertino will take orders for the redesigned Apple Pencil starting today. The price is $129. The original sold for $99.
