Apple Pencil

161 'Apple Pencil' stories September 2015 - November 2018

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Review: 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro: a tamed beast [Video]

Jeff Benjamin Nov 8 2018 - 3:01 pm PT

The 2018 iPad Pro is the most compelling new iPad to be released since the original. Whereas all previous iPad models more or less have had notable but incremental refinements and improvements, this new 2018 iPad is the tablet that Apple has longed to make.

Thanks to its flat edges, the 2018 iPad Pro looks vaguely similar to the original version, but that’s where the similarities abruptly end. This machine is an absolute monster in so many areas, from its “all-screen” front panel, to its ludicrously-fast CPU, to the sheer amount of flash storage space and memory.

But performance is only part of the story. The 2018 iPad Pro features many additional refinements and enhancements, and several direct answers to complaints levied against previous hardware releases.

Unfortunately, iOS is still a major thorn in the side of would-be iPad power users. iOS has improved over the last few years, but it still chokes the hardware of much-needed oxygen. The good news is that iOS 13 is less than a year away, and it’s rumored to bring changes and enhancements to the iPad that will remove some of the friction currently hindering the experience.

Watch our full iPad Pro hands-on unboxing and review for more details.
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2018 iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Smart Keyboard Folio — a big leap from the first Pro

Zac Hall Nov 8 2018 - 12:28 pm PT

iPad Pro upgrade

While I upgrade my iPhone every year, my iPad upgrade history trends toward every other generation: iPad 2, fourth-gen, Air, and 9.7-inch Pro. Skipping a generation (with the exception of the fourth-gen to original Air) has served me well as each upgrade is less incremental and more dramatic.

(I later acquired the original iPad — seen above stacked on the new iPad Pro — to collect; the new 11-inch iPad Pro feels like the modern version of that design with similar flat sides and the bulbous back squashed.)

This time around I’m upgrading from the 9.7-inch iPad Pro from early 2016 to the brand new 11-inch iPad Pro. The combination of upgraded specs, an all-new design, and subtly improved accessories is making this step all the more rewarding.

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How to charge Apple Pencil

Peter Cao Oct 31 2018 - 12:00 am PT

With the release of the new Apple Pencil and the inherent compatibility issues between models, charging the device may become confusing depending on which model you have. Follow along to learn how to charge Apple Pencil….

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New iPad Pro / MacBook Air event in less than 9 minutes [Video]

Jeff Benjamin Oct 30 2018 - 2:09 pm PT

iPad lineup

If you don’t have an hour and a half to dedicate to watch Apple’s new iPad Pro/MacBook Air event, we’ve got you covered. In this post, you’ll find a condensed version of the event, featuring all of the important technical tidbits in under 9 minutes.
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New Apple Pencil for 2018 iPad Pro includes custom engrave option

Peter Cao Oct 30 2018 - 9:17 am PT

In a slightly fun move, Apple is now offering engraving for the just-announced second-generation Apple Pencil. Just like the iPads, users will be able to add a hint of personality to their Apple Pencils.

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Muse’s ‘Simulation Theory’ album artwork created with Apple Pencil and iPad Pro

Peter Cao Oct 22 2018 - 9:56 am PT

iPad Pro and Apple Pencil can do really amazing stuff when you put some time and effort into it. A great example of this is the new album artwork for the musical artist Muse.

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iPad Pro and Apple Pencil updates appear imminent as four new models hit MIIT database

Peter Cao Oct 11 2018 - 10:01 am PT

With recent discoveries essentially confirming a new iPad announcement for later this month, even more details about the tablets are leaking.

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Would you make use of Apple Pencil support on iPhone? [Poll]

Michael Potuck Aug 19 2018 - 11:08 am PT

Apple Pencil iPhone 11

A pair of recent reports indicate that this year could bring the first iPhones to offer Apple Pencil support. After the $329 2018 iPad was updated to work with the $99 accessory earlier this year, is this something you’d find useful on the 2018 5.8-inch or 6.5-inch iPhones?

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Further report that this year’s OLED iPhones will support the Apple Pencil

Ben Lovejoy Aug 16 2018 - 6:31 am PT

Apple Pencil iPhone 11

A new report echoes one just a couple of days ago, stating that the two OLED models in this year’s iPhone lineup will support the Apple Pencil …

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2018 OLED iPhones to support Apple Pencil, with 512GB top tier – Trendforce

Ben Lovejoy Aug 14 2018 - 4:04 am PT

Apple’s gamble on higher-priced iPhones appears to have paid off, with the iPhone X showing that plenty of people are willing to pay a four-figure sum for the right features.

TrendForce believes Apple may be taking a couple of steps to increase the appeal of this year’s flagship models, and to help further boost the average selling price (ASP) …

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‘100 Views of Silicon Valley’ project combines iPad creativity with traditional painting

Michael Steeber May 31 2018 - 8:23 am PT

This weekend, thousands of developers from across the world will arrive in San Jose for Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Outside of sessions and labs, the week has historically given many attendees the opportunity to explore the Bay Area’s fascinating cities from their own perspective. Inspired by the same unique landscape and architecture, one artist has embraced Apple’s creative tools to help her capture Silicon Valley as she sees it.

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Logitech Crayon for iPad now available to schools, half price of Apple Pencil

Ben Lovejoy May 16 2018 - 6:22 am PT

The Logitech Crayon, a lower-cost stylus using Apple Pencil technology, is now available for purchase by schools for $49.95 …

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New Yorker artist explains why he went from ‘technologically illiterate’ to iPad evangelist

Ben Lovejoy May 14 2018 - 3:57 am PT

Mark Ulriksen, an artist who created illustrations for New Yorker magazine for almost 20 years, says that he went from being ‘technologically illiterate’ to an iPad evangelist after buying an iPad Pro, an Apple Pencil and the drawing app Procreate …

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Apple continues promoting iPad + Apple Pencil in new ad series [Videos]

Chance Miller Apr 23 2018 - 8:50 pm PT

On its UK YouTube channel, Apple this evening shared a series of new ads for the iPad and Apple Pencil. These ads continue Apple’s focus of promoting the new $329 iPad’s capabilities with the Apple Pencil…

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Jamf Pro used for Maryville University’s program to deploy iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to full-time students

Peter Cao Apr 9 2018 - 10:48 am PT

Maryville University is giving the next generation of students a modern tool to help aid in their college education, and using Jamf Pro to manage the deployment. Starting today, the university will be offering full-time students an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil.

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The best Apple Pencil accessories, including charging docks, sleeves & more

Chance Miller Apr 2 2018 - 4:59 pm PT

At its education-focused event in Chicago last month, Apple announced a new $329 iPad with support for Apple Pencil. As we outlined in our full review earlier today, this marks the first time Apple has expanded Apple Pencil support outside of the iPad Pro lineup.

Are you the proud owner of the new iPad with Apple Pencil? Read on for the best Apple Pencil accessories…

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Review: 9.7-inch $329 iPad (2018) – Should you buy it? [Video]

Jeff Benjamin Apr 2 2018 - 8:47 am PT

iPad Pro vs iPad

Apple entered new territory with last year’s budget model $329 iPad — largely popular for reducing the barrier to entry for first time iPad owners. This time around, the thought of a budget iPad isn’t so crazy, as we’ve had a whole year to marinate on the idea.

Like last year’s model, the 6th generation 2018 iPad can be a compelling device if it happens to fit your needs. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to determine where this new iPad may fit in, and whether you should buy it or not. Have a look at our hands-on video walkthrough inside for the details.
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How to use the new drawing & Smart Annotation features in Pages on iPad [Video]

Jeff Benjamin Mar 27 2018 - 5:56 pm PT

The iWork suite, including Pages, received a substantial update today as a part of Apple’s iPad education event in Chicago. The biggest feature included in the new update is Apple Pencil support for annotating text and objects and for drawing within a document.

In this hands-on video walkthrough, we step through how to use both drawing and Smart Annotations in Pages. Even if you don’t have an Apple Pencil, Smart Annotations and drawing support enhances the overall usefulness of the entire iWork suite.
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Logitech announces $49 Crayon stylus, cheaper alternative to Apple Pencil

Benjamin Mayo Mar 27 2018 - 10:37 am PT

Logitech has now officially announced the Logitech Crayon stylus, with Apple Pencil technology for palm rejection, sub-pixel accuracy and tilt support.

It doesn’t seem to support pressure-sensitivity but it is dramatically cheaper. Apple Pencil retails for $99, while the Crayon will cost $49 when it launches this summer into education sales channels.

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KGI: Cheaper 9.7-inch iPad will likely support Apple Pencil

Zac Hall Mar 23 2018 - 10:36 am PT

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has issued a new report that predicts Apple Pencil shipments will double this year. Kuo believes it is possible the iPhone could eventually support Apple Pencil, but it’s more likely that the new 9.7-inch iPad expected to be unveiled next week will work with Apple Pencil.

As a result, Kuo forecasts Apple Pencil sales — which the company doesn’t specifically disclose — will double to 9-10 million this year from what Kuo estimates at 4-4.5 million last year.

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Linea Sketch 2.0 adds Split View, Drag & Drop, plus loads of new illustrator features

Zac Hall Mar 20 2018 - 3:00 am PT

Linea is easily one of the best iPad apps to use with Apple Pencil, and today The Iconfactory is shipping version 2.0 which starts with a refreshed name: Linea Sketch. Linea Sketch 2 includes new multitasking features, loads of new tools for illustrating and note-taking, and much more.

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Apple files patent for stylus that works without a screen

Peter Cao Feb 6 2018 - 10:40 am PT

A new Apple patent details a stylus that can be used without a screen. It specifically mentions “force sensors” which leads us to believe that this could be used with future versions of the Mac that have Force Touch trackpads.

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Another patent application for using the Apple Pencil with an iPhone is published

Ben Lovejoy Nov 30 2017 - 7:37 am PT

A sizeable number of Apple Pencil fans have been waiting impatiently for iPhone support ever since Tim Cook apparently let slip that it was on the way …

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Apple promoting Urban Sketchers artists who use Apple Pencil with free iPad Pro workshops

Zac Hall Nov 27 2017 - 10:46 am PT

Apple is highlighting four artists who create with Apple Pencil on iPad Pro as the Urban Sketchers groups turns 10. Urban Sketchers is made up of artists around the world who meet in cities to draw on-location.

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