Key Points
- The Apple Pencil is a versatile tool that enhances the creative and productive capabilities of the iPad.
- It allows for precise drawing and sketching, efficient writing and note-taking, and increased productivity across various applications.
- Charging methods differ between the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencil. The 1st generation requires a Lightning port, while the 2nd generation charges wirelessly by magnetically snapping to the iPad.
The Apple Pencil turned plenty of heads when it was first announced in 2015. While far from a perfect product in its 1st generation, the accessory nevertheless enjoyed plenty of purchases from creatives, professionals, and hobbyists alike. The 2nd generation of the Apple-branded stylus arrived in 2018 and improved on many of the 1st generation’s shortcomings. Yet, one question lingers: How do you charge your Apple Pencil? We’ve created this walkthrough to help you learn how it’s done — for both 1st and 2nd generation products alike.
What’s the Point of an Apple Pencil?
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The Apple Pencil is a powerful, versatile tool designed to enhance the creative and productive capabilities of the iPad. Despite its appearance, it’s so much more than just an ordinary stylus. it offers a range of unique features that make it an indispensable accessory for Apple users of all kinds. Before discussing charging methods, let’s explore three key features the Apple Pencil can help you perform.
- Imperceptible lag
- Tilt and pressure sensitivity
- Magnetically attaches to the iPad
- Charges wirelessly
Drawing
The Apple Pencil allows you to draw and sketch on your iPad with remarkable precision and sensitivity. Its advanced sensors detect pressure and tilt, allowing you to create intricate lines, shades, and textures unlike anything you’ve ever seen on the iPad before. It’s just like using traditional art tools, only completely digitized. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just doodling for fun, the Apple Pencil elevates your digital art experience to a whole new level previously unseen on the iPad.
Writing
Similar to our previous point, the Apple Pencil also makes writing on the iPad more efficient and precise. Activities like note-taking or annotating have never been more effortless. With the Apple Pencil, you can jot down handwritten notes directly on your iPad or annotate PDFs and documents with ease. Best of all, the palm rejection technology ensures that your hand won’t interfere with your writing or drawing. Plus, the ability to convert your handwritten notes into text makes organization a breeze — no matter if you’re in a meeting, lecture, or brainstorming session.
Productivity
Lastly, there’s the increased productivity provided by the Apple Pencil. This device integrates seamlessly with a wide range of iPad apps, transforming your tablet into a productivity powerhouse unlike anything you’ve experienced before. You can edit photos with pinpoint accuracy in apps like Adobe Photoshop, mark up documents in Pages, or create detailed diagrams in apps like Procreate. The Apple Pencil is not limited to just drawing or writing — it enhances your overall efficiency and creativity across various applications, making it an invaluable tool for all.
How to Charge Your Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
- Features pressure sensitivity, tilt, and imperceptible lag
- Works the same as a normal pencil, but instead of paper, draw and write on the iPad
- Lightning adapter, USB-C to lightning adapter, and extra tip included
- Uses lightning adapter to charge
Learning how to charge your Apple Pencil will depend on what generation of the product you have — 1st generation or 2nd. The former was released in November 2015, is completely cylindrical all the way around, and features a detachable cap with a Lightning charger. The latter was released in November 2018, features one flat side to prevent rolling, and relies on a magnetic wireless charging connector instead of the Lightning charger of the 1st generation. Let’s first discuss how to charge your Apple Pencil 1st generation.
Step One: Remove Cap
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First, remove the magnetic cap on the tail end of the Apple Pencil. This will reveal the Lightning connector hidden underneath the cap. Make sure you don’t lose the cap! It’s prone to rolling when placed on its side. Try placing it upright to keep it in place. If you don’t have a cap on your Apple Pencil, then you can skip ahead to the section on charging an Apple Pencil 2nd generation.
Step Two: Attach Connector
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This step is optional. If you’d rather use the iPad to charge the Apple Pencil, then you can proceed to the next step. If you want to charge the Apple Pencil with a cable, you can attach the dongle that comes in the box. This female-to-female Lightning adapter is included with all Apple Pencil 1st generation shipments. There is also a USB-C version available for purchase.
Step Three: Plug Into Port
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Now, plug the Apple Pencil in. Whether you attach it to your iPad’s Lightning port or to a Lightning cable, the Apple Pencil will begin charging once inserted. To be clear, it cannot be used while charging — even when attached to a cable. It typically takes around 10 minutes to fully charge. Just 15 seconds on the charger will give you 30 minutes of use.
How to Charge Your Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
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Have a 2nd generation product instead? Learning how to charge your particular Apple Pencil is even easier than the steps listed above. Simply bring the Apple Pencil 2nd generation close to your iPad and wait for it to snap to the tablet magnetically. Then, watch for a pop-up on the screen to notify you of its charging status. It should reach fully charged just as fast as a 1st generation. If you’re having trouble, make sure the flat side of the Apple Pencil is the side touching the iPad. You may also want to ensure your Pencil is compatible with your iPad model in the first place.
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