But what I'm struggling with is the fact that the new Apple Pencil Pro only works with the new 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air models. Yes, even if you spent $1,099 two years ago on the 2022 iPad Pro , still can not use this new “Pro” stylus on that model. You'll have to upgrade. 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-incher and $1,199 for the 13-inch model (a jump of $200 and $100, respectively).
You know what's worse? If you thought you could upgrade from an older iPad to the new iPad Pro or iPad Air and continue using the second-generation Apple Pencil you already have, think again. The new iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets only work with the two latest styli: 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, then probably yes to have to buy a new Apple Pencil.
Apple declined to officially comment on this when I attended an iPad hands-on event today. The company's marketing materials highlight a “new magnetic interface” for the Apple Pencil Pro, 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 placement slightly to accommodate the iPad's front-facing landscape camera. The new interface doesn't offer faster or more efficient charging, faster pairing, or more secure magnets – none of that. It feels almost identical to the existing system.
And the Apple Pencil is a stylus. For the love of God it should be one of the easiest things to make backwards compatible. So what if the 'Pinch' gestures may not work on an older iPad? I don't think it's a stretch to say that some new features won't be available on older tablets; Apple already does this with its software updates. Definitely new features in iOS won't work on older iPhones, even if the hardware is still supported. At the very least, let the customers who have bought your stylus for years use it on the new models. I can't find a good reason why a second-generation Apple Pencil wouldn't be compatible at all.
The only answer I can think of is the lack of processing power on older slates, but if the M2 chipset in the 2022 iPad Pro isn't already powerful enough to handle a few new stylus tricks, that doesn't speak well of the performance power of Apple's silicon.
It's all very stupid. The Apple Pencil Pro, second-generation Apple Pencil, and Apple Pencil with USB-C should at least work across Apple's entire current lineup, regardless of whether certain features are unavailable. That probably shouldn't be the case four Pencils to choose from first and foremost.
“It just works” is the motto that is often equated with everything Apple does. Not so with the Apple Pencil.
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