The Apple Pencil 2 is still my product of the year in 2022

Apple has released many cool products this year, but an old acquaintance from 2018 remains my favorite. Here’s why the Apple Pencil 2 is still my Apple Product of the Year even in 2022.

Apple Product of the Year 2022: Apple Pencil 2

The Apple Pencil 2 is secretly an oldie, because the second generation of the Pencil appeared in 2018. It had a number of improvements compared to the previous Pencil and let’s be honest: they were really necessary.

But why is the Apple Pencil 2 my product of the year 2022? After all, the digital pen is more than four years old. Yet I still use the Pencil daily. Besides the iPhone 14 Pro Max that I pick up the most, the Pencil 2 (along with an older iPad Pro) is the Apple product I hold in my hands most often.

Mainly for sketching on the tablet. Once you’ve started drawing on an iPad with a Pencil, you’ll never want to go back to a separate drawing tablet. Still, I use the Pencil for more things.

I also remove the Pencil from the magnetic strip while browsing on the iPad. You can tap buttons and links much more precisely in the browser with the Pencil. Not unimportant: you also prevent dirty fingerprints on your spotless screen. Can you finally finish a bag of chips while reading on the iPad iPhoned. Don’t forget to wipe your Apple Pencil 2 afterwards…

Apple Pencil 2 vs Apple Pencil 1: these are the improvements

But what were the upgrades to the Pencil 2 that made it better than the first generation? The main difference: you no longer have to plug the Apple Pencil 2 into the lightning port to charge it. And admit it: when you see the Pencil 1 sticking out of the iPad like this, you think twice about going for a walk with it. After all, you have learned that you should not run with scissors in your hand.

Instead, you place the Pencil 2 on top of the iPad to charge it. Your iPad must of course support that function, but almost all recent versions of the iPad mini, iPad Pro and iPad Air do. It is striking that the regular iPad (2022) still has support for Apple Pencil 1.

This new way of charging makes it much easier to use. Simply click the Pencil on top of your iPad and you don’t have to worry about it anymore. In addition, you lose the Apple Pencil much less quickly.

However, more was adjusted, because the shape of the Pencil was also different. The Apple Pencil 1 was completely round and therefore very smooth. As a result, it did not always fit comfortably in your hand. The Apple Pencil 2 does things differently and has a flat side. This makes it more pleasant to work with, especially during long Pencil sessions (and it no longer rolls away when you put it on the table).

There is another difference in usage. With the Apple Pencil 2, you can double-tap the front of the pen to switch functions. This will switch from the current tool to your eraser and back again. The first generation Pencil did not have this feature.

Read more: 6 improvements of the Apple Pencil 2

Apple Pencil 3: where is it?

It’s 2022 and after four years it’s really time for a successor to the Apple Pencil 2. There have been several rumors about an Apple Pencil 3, but nothing concrete has come of it yet.

For example, these rumors say that the Pencil 3 will get more touch functions. Then you can not only tap, but also attach a function to a pinch. In addition, it must also be possible to add even more functions with a swipe over the pen.

In addition, there are rumors that the Pencil 3 will get haptic feedback. If this function is built into the Apple Pencil 3, it will open the doors for a few nice functions.

For example, what do you think you feel when you no longer color within the lines in a drawing program? Or that the Apple Pencil can let you know when the battery is almost empty by vibrating? Super useful features that I would like to have!

Apple Pencil 2: Product of the Year 2022

So you see: even if you don’t draw, an Apple Pencil is worth considering. And if you do have one, you can always try if the artistic side of the iPad with a Pencil appeals to you. The best app for that? Procreate of course!

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