But what bothers me is the fact that the new Apple Pencil Pro only works with the new iPad Pro and iPad Air 2024 models. Yes, even if you spent $1,099 on the iPad Pro 2022 two years ago, I can’t Use this new “Pro” stylus on that model. You will have to update. This is probably a good time to mention that the 2024 iPad Pro models are more expensive across the board, starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,199 for the 13-inch model (a jump of $200 and $100 , respectively).
Do you know what’s worse? If you thought you could upgrade to the new iPad Pro or iPad Air from a previous iPad and still use the second-generation Apple Pencil you already own, think again. The new iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets only work with the two newest styles: the Apple Pencil (USB-C) that came out last year and the new Apple Pencil Pro. So if you’re an avid Pencil user and want one of the new slates, you’ll probably have to buy a new Apple Pencil.
Apple declined to comment on this when I attended a hands-on event about the iPad today. The company’s marketing materials highlight a “new magnetic interface” for the Apple Pencil Pro, which is the interface the Apple Pencil uses to charge, pair, and stay connected to the tablet. However, there are no details on what exactly is “new” about this interface, other than the fact that Apple had to move its location slightly to accommodate the iPad’s front horizontal camera. The new interface doesn’t offer faster or more efficient charging, faster pairing or more secure magnets, none of that. It feels virtually identical to the existing system.
And the Apple Pencil is a stylus. For goodness sake, it should be one of the easiest things to make backwards compatible. So what if “squeeze” gestures don’t work on an older iPad? I don’t think it’s hard to point out that certain new features won’t be available on older tablets; Apple already does this with its software updates. Certain new iOS features don’t work on older iPhones, even if the hardware is still supported. At the very least, let customers who bought your stylus in previous years use it on the new models. I can’t find a good reason why a second-generation Apple Pencil simply wouldn’t be supported at all.
The only answer I’m thinking of is the lack of processing power on older slates, but if the M2 chipset inside the 2022 iPad Pro is no longer powerful enough to handle some new stylus tricks, that doesn’t speak very well. of performance. Apple silicon prowess.
It’s all very silly. The Apple Pencil Pro, second-generation Apple Pencil, and Apple Pencil USB-C should at least work across Apple’s current lineup, regardless of whether certain features are unavailable. There probably shouldn’t be either. four Pencils to choose first.
“It just works” is the motto that is often equated with everything Apple related. Not so with the Apple Pencil.
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