Come on, why isn’t the new Apple Pencil Pro backward compatible?
But what bothers me is 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 2022 iPad Pro two years ago, you cannot Use this new “Pro” stylus on that model. You will have to upgrade. This is probably a good time to mention that the 2024 iPad Pro models are more expensive overall, starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,199 for the 13-inch model (up $200 and $100, respectively).
Know what’s worse? If you think you can upgrade to a new iPad Pro or iPad Air from an older iPad and continue using the second-generation Apple Pencil you already own, think again. New iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets only one works with the two newest styluses: last year’s Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the new Apple Pencil Pro. So if you are an avid Pencil user and want one of the new versions, you may have to buy a new Apple Pencil.
Apple would not comment on the matter when I attended an event with an iPad in hand today. The company’s marketing materials highlight the “new magnetic interface” for the Apple Pencil Pro, which is the interface the Apple Pencil uses to recharge, pair, and stay attached 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 position slightly to accommodate the iPad’s front horizontal camera. The new interface doesn’t offer faster or more efficient charging, quicker pairing, or more secure magnets—nothing of the sort. It practically feels identical to the existing system.
And Apple Pencil is a stylus. For the love of God, making it backward compatible has to be one of the easiest things. So what if the Squeeze gesture might not work on the old iPad? I don’t think it’s hard to point out that certain new features won’t be available on older tablets; Apple has done this with its software updates. Some new things feature on iOS does not work on older iPhones, even if the hardware is still supported. At the very least, let customers who bought your stylus years ago use it on new models. I can’t find a good reason why the second generation Apple Pencil isn’t compatible.
The only answer I can think of is the lack of processing power on older versions, but if the M2 chipset inside the 2022 iPad Pro isn’t already powerful enough to handle some of the new stylus tricks, then that’s not it. Very well suited to the performance capabilities of Apple’s silicon. (Update: A reader reminded me that the new iPad Air runs the M2 chipset, just like the older iPad Pro, so Apple’s decision isn’t really tied to performance.)
It’s all very silly. At the very least, Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil Second Generation, and USB-C Apple Pencil will work across all of Apple’s current product lines, regardless of certain functions not being available. Maybe there shouldn’t be either four Pencil to choose from the beginning.
“It just works” is a motto often equated with all things Apple. Not so with the Apple Pencil.
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