Apple Pencil Pro review: nice features that you don’t necessarily need

Apple has released a new Pencil with a number of new features. You can read exactly what this means for you in this Apple Pencil Pro review!

Apple Pencil Pro review: nice features you don’t necessarily need

During the May 7 event, Apple released the iPad Pro 2024 and the iPad Air 2024. But that wasn’t all, as the company also showed off a new Apple Pencil. This review of the Apple Pencil Pro will tell you what’s new and whether you should upgrade right away.

Apple Pencil Pro in short

• Looks like two drops of water on the Apple Pencil 2;
• Matte pen with a flat edge;
• Can be charged and connected magnetically;
• Pinch function with haptic feedback;
• Find My support;
• Barrel roll function;
• Price 149 euros.

The most important thing you need to know about the Apple Pencil Pro is that it only works with the new iPad Pro 2024 (11 inches and 13 inches) and the iPad Air 2024 (11 inches and 13 inches). You cannot use the Apple Pencil Pro with previous generations of the iPad.

It is also useful to know that the Apple Pencil 2 does not work with the new iPads. Only the Apple Pencil (USB-C) works on the new and most recent iPads. Do you want to know exactly which Apple Pencil works on which iPad? Then read the article below.

Read more: Apple Pencil – everything you need to know.

When you place the Apple Pencil Pro next to the Apple Pencil 2, you see virtually no difference. In fact, both pencils look alike. The only deviation is that the new version says ‘Pencil Pro’ on the side. The shape, color and interchangeable tip are exactly the same.

Actually, that doesn’t matter much, because the Apple Pencil 2 has always felt very comfortable in the hand and was nice to use. Then it is of course fine that the Apple Pencil Pro has the same shape and dimensions. There are a number of innovations in the Apple Pencil Pro, but they are all on the inside.

New features Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro has received three new functions. We list them for you and tell you what they do.

1. Find My: Never lose your pen again

One of the new functions is ‘Find My’, which makes it easier to find the Apple Pencil Pro if you have lost it somewhere. You then simply launch the ‘Find My’ app on your iPad or one of your other devices and see where the pen went on the map. If you are nearby, you can use the ‘Search’ function to locate the pen. It is a useful function, but do you need it often? Probably not.

2. Barrel roll: turning with the pen

Another new feature that Apple has added is ‘barrel roll’. This is especially a feature you can appreciate when drawing. Then you can turn the Pencil and adjust the position of your pen or brush – it’s just as if you were working with a real pen or marker on paper.

This function is especially useful for things like calligraphy, an elegant art of writing. It is a nice function, but has limited use. At least until your favorite apps start supporting all the features of the Apple Pencil Pro.

3. Pinch function: callable palette

Finally, Apple has also introduced a new ‘pinch’ feature. There is also haptic feedback, so you feel a vibration when you press the pen. With this function, you see a kind of palette on the iPad screen with programs such as FreeForm. There are various tools on this palette. This allows you to quickly change tools, line thickness or color.

Support for other apps

At the moment, the new functions mainly work with Apple’s own apps. For example, you can use pinching of the pen or rotating with barrel roll in FreeForm and Notes. It remains to be seen whether third-party apps will add support for the new functions.

At the time of writing, ProCreate did not yet support the new features of the Apple Pencil Pro. So fans of this popular drawing program will have to be patient for a while. But some users who have access to the beta version have opted out YouTube already showing that support is coming.

Adjust pinch function

You can adjust the pinch function in the iPad settings. You can also change the sensitivity there. If you use the function a lot, it is smart to adjust the sensitivity as desired. Just don’t set the pinch function too sensitive, because then it will be very annoying if you accidentally activate the option for the umpteenth time.

You can also choose in the settings which function you want to attach to the pinch gesture. You can even use your own Assignment for this. The possibilities are therefore virtually endless.

Buy Apple Pencil 3

The Apple Pencil Pro costs 149 euros at Apple. The new pen is also available at most online stores. Below you will find a selection of what is on offer.

• View the Apple Pencil Pro at Bol.com
• View the Apple Pencil Pro at MediaMarkt
• View the Apple Pencil Pro at Coolblue
• View the Apple Pencil Pro at Belsimpel

Conclusion Apple Pencil Pro review

We have to be honest: the Apple Pencil Pro is a great pen for your brand new tablet. The new features are useful, but certainly not earth-shattering. Actually, you don’t need them (yet), at least until there are more apps that support the new features.

We secretly hoped that Apple had gone a little further with this Pro version, but the upgrade is rather limited. We are also very sorry that the new pen does not work with older iPads.

In addition, it is also unfortunate that the new tablets do not support the Apple Pencil 2. This is probably due to the relocation of the camera and magnets in the new iPads. Remarkably, the Apple Pencil USB-C does work. But it’s a shame for Apple Pencil 2 owners, because this pen still works fine and looks almost the same.

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