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Is it worth getting the Apple Pencil 2?

Last Updated on October 12, 2023
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The Apple Pencil 2 was built to deliver pixel-perfect precision and low latency. These characteristics make the Apple Pencil 2 worth it for drawing, sketching, coloring, taking notes, or marking up PDFs.

Due to the feature upgrades, this device makes a lot more sense than the older Pencil generation and third-party stylus.

According to Apple, the Pencil 2 improves where the older generations lack. For instance, you’ll see features such as

  • Wireless pairing and charging.
  • Attaches magnetically.
  • Double-tap to change tools.
  • Pixel-perfect precision.
  • Tilt and pressure sensitivity.
  • Imperceptible lag.
  • Free engraving.

The Apple Pencil 2 is aiming not only to improve technical aspects but more importantly, according to Apple to enhance efficiency. They decided to change the shape and dimensions so users can feel a more adaptive and responsive device in their hands.

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
Length6.53 inches (166 mm)6.92 inches (175.7 mm)
Diameter0.35 inch (8.9 mm)0.35 inch (8.9 mm)
Weight0.73 ounce (20.7 grams)0.73 ounce (20.7 grams)

With the previous Pencil, there were a lot of complaints of people losing the object. The Pen’s all-rounded shape causes the gadget to just roll off any surface, causing it to be lost or, even worst damaged. Understandably, the next-gen added a flat side where the tool can rest decreasing the risk of disappearing for good.

Is the Apple Pencil 2 worth it?

There is not much of a technical upgrade on the Apple Pencil 2 compared to the 1st generation; both offer pressure sensitivity, roughly the same precision, and both deliver equal accuracy.

The 2nd-gen Pencil wins over the last gen because it feels more comfortable to touch. The weight is more balanced and the small change in shape aligns it better with your hand grip. Hence if you’re using the tool for drawing and note-taking, you’ll feel the difference.

Other than that, which Apple Pencil you’ll end up with depends on the iPad you’ll buy, or have. The Pencil 1 is marketed for the entry-level iPad, while the Pencil 2 offers wider compatibility with newer generations and Pro models.

Even if we consider the $30 gap between both models, (the Apple Pencil 2 cost $129 while the previous gen cost $99) we recommend that the Apple Pencil 2 is still worth buying. Now that you’ve made your choice of Apple Pencil, it’s worth checking out how to connect Apple Pencil to iPad so that you know how to get your setup fully ready to use in a few easy steps.

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows