Astropad’s new Rock Paper Pencil 4 adds a graphite feel to Apple Pencil and iPad

Zac Hall | Aug 26 2026 - 11:00 am PT

Want the nano-texture feel on your iPad display without the commitment? Astropad has an all-new version of its excellent Rock Paper Pencil product that adds a second writing feel while retaining its removable design.

Graphite feel comes to Apple Pencil and iPad with Rock Paper Pencil 4.0

Rock Paper Pencil 4.0 pairs a nano-texture screen protector with custom Apple Pencil tips. For the first time, buyers can choose between the smooth feel of a ballpoint pen and the softer, toothier drag of graphite.

The new graphite tips are designed to mimic a 2B pencil, including the added friction artists may prefer for sketching, shading, and expressive strokes.

Astropad says it spent about a year developing the new option, using a standard 2B pencil as its reference point. Astropad says the finished result also replicates the look and sound of real graphite.

Choose between ballpoint pen and standard pencil feel

Meanwhile, the existing steel ballpoint tip remains available for writing, inking, precise linework, and tidy notetaking. Each Rock Paper Pencil 4.0 kit now includes four Apple Pencil tips in total: two ballpoint and two graphite.

The screen protector itself hasn’t changed. Astropad’s unique NanoCling system uses static cling instead of adhesive, allowing the protector to be applied, removed, and reused without leaving residue behind.

The company says the bond is stronger than magnets, while still supporting bubble-free application and easy removal. Its microscopic texture mimics the tooth of fine-grain paper to provide friction and added control.

Best matte screen protector for iPad

Rather than changing only the Apple Pencil tip or only the display texture, Rock Paper Pencil 4.0 treats the two pieces as one system. Astropad says its custom tips are designed to work exclusively with the nano-texture protector. The new graphite tip is made from POM, while the ballpoint version uses steel.