Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
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1
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2
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Why (from a technical perspective) can't an Apple Pencil (2nd gen) be used with an iPad (7th gen)?
The most obvious difference between an Apple Pencil (1st generation) and a Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is that the latter pairs and charges via the Smart Connector on the side of an iPad, whereas the 1st generation has a removeable cap covering a Lightning connector. The iPad (7th generation) has...
The most obvious difference between an Apple Pencil (1st generation) and a Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is that the latter pairs and charges via the Smart Connector on the side of an iPad, whereas the 1st generation has a removeable cap covering a Lightning connector.
The iPad (7th generation) has the same Smart Connector as the iPad Pro, but still can't use the Pencil 2. Presumably there are other hardware limitations that prevent this. What exactly are they? Is there some hardware limitation, or some other reason (other than "Apple doesn't want to support it") why it *can't* be supported?
mweiss
(1168 rep)
Jun 9, 2021, 01:18 AM
• Last activity: Apr 21, 2025, 12:04 AM
1
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1
answers
208
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Is keeping Apple Pencil 2nd Generation docked always good for pencil's battery?
I use an back-case for my iPad Air which also has a Pencil holder and at the same time pencil is attached magnetically to the iPad. Most of the time the battery of Pencil is at 100% Is keeping pencil docked always good for Pencil's battery? Does iPad's battery drain faster than usual when charging P...
I use an back-case for my iPad Air which also has a Pencil holder and at the same time pencil is attached magnetically to the iPad. Most of the time the battery of Pencil is at 100%
Is keeping pencil docked always good for Pencil's battery?
Does iPad's battery drain faster than usual when charging Pencil?
PRANEEL
(31 rep)
Dec 6, 2024, 10:09 AM
• Last activity: Dec 6, 2024, 09:26 PM
0
votes
0
answers
53
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Why are iPad and Apple Pencil battery level fluctuating?
I am facing a problem in iPad Air 5 and Apple Pencil 2nd Generation. From past few days I am noticing something strange behaviour in battery levels that after restarting iPad the battery level changes by 2-3% either it increases or decreases in iPad and Apple Pencil. For example, assume my current b...
I am facing a problem in iPad Air 5 and Apple Pencil 2nd Generation.
From past few days I am noticing something strange behaviour in battery levels that after restarting iPad the battery level changes by 2-3% either it increases or decreases in iPad and Apple Pencil.
For example, assume my current battery level is at 80% and 100% in iPad and Apple Pencil respectively. After restarting iPad battery level changes to 83% and 94% respectively. The change is random at every restart.
Contacted Apple Support team and they are saying I should visit the Apple store for hardware check.
Is this really an issue? If it is then I dont think it would be hardware issue.
No issue in performance observed until now.
PRANEEL
(31 rep)
Dec 6, 2024, 05:55 AM
• Last activity: Dec 6, 2024, 07:19 PM
1
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0
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480
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No Markup Tools in Notes?
My problem is similar to the Apple Discussion [markup tool on iPad is missing][1]. There are no Markup Tools in Notes. I have tried a hard reset, updating to iPadOS 17.7, checking every button mentioned in every tutorial, setting notes for iCloud, and restarting. I cannot draw in Notes. This is very...
My problem is similar to the Apple Discussion markup tool on iPad is missing . There are no Markup Tools in Notes. I have tried a hard reset, updating to iPadOS 17.7, checking every button mentioned in every tutorial, setting notes for iCloud, and restarting.
I cannot draw in Notes. This is very frustrating. This is on IPad Air 11-inch (M2).
user2346536
(123 rep)
Oct 22, 2024, 12:46 PM
• Last activity: Oct 22, 2024, 04:28 PM
2
votes
1
answers
578
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Why does my Apple Pencil produce different brush strokes than my mouse in Photoshop?
I’m working through the 2021 release of *Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book* for my digital imaging class. One of the lessons is on the Mixer Brush tool. I decided to connect my Mac to my iPad Pro using Sidecar so that I could use my Apple Pencil (I find it easier to use than my mouse for these typ...
I’m working through the 2021 release of *Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book* for my digital imaging class. One of the lessons is on the Mixer Brush tool. I decided to connect my Mac to my iPad Pro using Sidecar so that I could use my Apple Pencil (I find it easier to use than my mouse for these types of tasks).
It worked fine at first, but eventually I ran into an issue where my brush strokes looked nothing like what the textbook showed. I tried switching to my mouse, and it solved the issue. As far as I can tell, the input device is the only difference; the settings should be the same. I’ve included screenshots showing the results I’m getting and my brush settings. In case it helps, I’ve also added a couple of pictures of the relevant page in the textbook. Also, my Apple Pencil is the 2nd generation version.
Can anyone tell me why I’m getting different results with the Apple Pencil? And how can I can fix it so that the brush strokes look the same as with the mouse? Thanks!
*screenshot showing brush strokes:*
*screenshots showing Brush Settings panel:*
*pictures of relevant textbook page:*
[Note: I wasn’t sure if this is the correct place to post this question, so apologies if it is!]
*screenshots showing Brush Settings panel:*
*pictures of relevant textbook page:*
[Note: I wasn’t sure if this is the correct place to post this question, so apologies if it is!]
1dareu2mov3
(751 rep)
Oct 31, 2021, 07:03 PM
• Last activity: Jul 18, 2024, 05:03 AM
0
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2
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474
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An app to doodle vector diagrams with apple pencil
I want to illustrate technical ideas with it quickly and dirty, possibly sharing over a chat screen share. NOT create document-grade formal diagrams. I tried Graffle and Affinity Designer. Didn't like them. They are like Photoshop (apps with 250 features) where I need just Ms Paint. - has to support...
I want to illustrate technical ideas with it quickly and dirty, possibly sharing over a chat screen share. NOT create document-grade formal diagrams.
I tried Graffle and Affinity Designer. Didn't like them. They are like Photoshop (apps with 250 features) where I need just Ms Paint.
- has to support apple pencil on iPadOS 17.5
- it has to be unorthodox.
- It has to tidy up links and shapes
I want a free-drawing tool that converts my doodles into closest shape like circle or rectangle, wiggly lines into connectors. Optionally, I’d like writing converted to text.
It doesn't need to be perfect and formally looking. Even more - its a plus if it looks informally as if you sat with a colleague in a park a drew a diagram on paper whole discussing a problem at lunch.
It should be vector graphic (large zoom and no pixels) and have basic editing capabilities
Basically I want Notes.app (that's included) with additional feature - smoothing doodles into shapes and writing into text.
What apps meet these needs?
Boppity Bop
(111 rep)
Jul 2, 2024, 09:49 PM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2024, 01:12 PM
0
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1
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423
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Apple Pencil not working with SideCar
I work with a M2 Macbook Pro and iPad Air (4th Gen). Until a week ago, I regularly used my iPad as an extended display using SideCar (Continuity). Worked charmingly, including with Apple Pencil. Recently updated to Mac OS 14.4, and Apple Pencil no longer reacts to the desktop display on the iPad, bu...
I work with a M2 Macbook Pro and iPad Air (4th Gen). Until a week ago, I regularly used my iPad as an extended display using SideCar (Continuity). Worked charmingly, including with Apple Pencil.
Recently updated to Mac OS 14.4, and Apple Pencil no longer reacts to the desktop display on the iPad, but works with the SideBar and TouchBar. Finger tap on the display has no response either, but scrolling using two fingers works fine. Essentially, I am reduced to interacting with my iPad using my Mouse and Keyboard.
Any hints on how to resolve this?
Rahul
(151 rep)
Mar 13, 2024, 04:25 PM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2024, 03:47 PM
2
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0
answers
84
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iPad app for handwriting with Apple pencil including a button on-screen to quickly erase content
I discovered that I recall more, for instance, using Anki, by writing with the Apple Pencil instead of using a keyboard. However, it's a bit tedious to use GoodNotes, write something, and then having to navigate the menu to clear the screen. Therefore, I wonder if there is an application that allows...
I discovered that I recall more, for instance, using Anki, by writing with the Apple Pencil instead of using a keyboard. However, it's a bit tedious to use GoodNotes, write something, and then having to navigate the menu to clear the screen.
Therefore, I wonder if there is an application that allows you to clear everything you draw quickly with an on-screen button, without needing to navigate through a menu.
I have tried with GoodNotes but you need to open a menu. OneNote doesn't have this option. 
David
(131 rep)
Apr 11, 2024, 02:48 AM
• Last activity: Apr 11, 2024, 03:05 AM
2
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1
answers
4106
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Using Apple Pencil as a stylus with older unsupported iPads
I have some old iPads that I want to use for Zoom meetings. I want to use one as a whiteboard, drawing diagrams in the Notes app and showing them on screen. Can I use an Apple Pencil (either gen 1 or gen 2) as a basic stylus for drawing in the Notes app? I don't need any fancy features, just the abi...
I have some old iPads that I want to use for Zoom meetings. I want to use one as a whiteboard, drawing diagrams in the Notes app and showing them on screen.
Can I use an Apple Pencil (either gen 1 or gen 2) as a basic stylus for drawing in the Notes app? I don't need any fancy features, just the ability to draw.
I don't have an Apple Pencil to test, but I'm willing to buy one if it will work. Here are the iPads I have:
1. iPad 2 with iOS 9.3.5
2. iPad mini 4 with iOS 13.5
3. iPad Air 2 with iOS 13.5
Nimesh Neema
(54037 rep)
Jun 1, 2020, 01:18 AM
• Last activity: Feb 22, 2024, 05:23 AM
1
votes
1
answers
137
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Are there iOS apps for taking notes with Apple Pencil in color, grid, and with pages to print?
I am searching for an app, in which I can take notes during lectures. To be more specific I would like to find an app which extends the default notes app in the following ways: 1. *Creating a color palette* (eg. I would like to have darker colors, but it seems like I can only pick one color at a tim...
I am searching for an app, in which I can take notes during lectures. To be more specific I would like to find an app which extends the default notes app in the following ways:
1. *Creating a color palette* (eg. I would like to have darker colors, but it seems like I can only pick one color at a time)
2. *Changing grid size* (I would like to make the grid a bit smaller, so it fits my handwriting better)
3. *Option for pages* (Ideally I would like to be able to print my notes, but the $\infty$-paper cuts my handwriting in half)
Other features (like pdf annotation, text recognition etc.) are not important for my use case. The recommended apps I was able to test (Notes, INKredible, Nebo, Sketches, Paper, Quicknotes) didn’t fulfill these requirements. Due to cost I could not test Goodnotes or Notepad+.
I hope there is an app satisfying my needs, to specially to vouch for a paid app if that’s the only fit for my requirements.
Can any app do some or all of my requirements?
Jonas Linssen
(119 rep)
Aug 5, 2020, 08:55 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2023, 09:01 AM
1
votes
1
answers
772
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Apple Pencil and iPad but no Wi-Fi
My iPad is not on a data plan and I don’t have Wi-Fi access in my classroom. Will I still be able to use my Apple Pencil?
My iPad is not on a data plan and I don’t have Wi-Fi access in my classroom.
Will I still be able to use my Apple Pencil?
Kat
(19 rep)
Dec 11, 2023, 07:22 PM
• Last activity: Dec 12, 2023, 01:21 PM
1
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1
answers
3383
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Shouldn't Apple consider allowing use of Apple Pencil while it's charging?
I have an iPad 2018 12.1.1 with 1st generation Apple Pencil. I am trying to use it for taking notes while it is connected to USB-cable charging, but surprisingly it doesn't work even though it is recognized by the iPad already! (I can see its charging status on notification page) So I am wondering s...
I have an iPad 2018 12.1.1 with 1st generation Apple Pencil. I am trying to use it for taking notes while it is connected to USB-cable charging, but surprisingly it doesn't work even though it is recognized by the iPad already! (I can see its charging status on notification page)
So I am wondering shouldn't Apple consider the issue and fix the problem?
Is it worth it contacting them for that?
wisdom
(113 rep)
Jun 8, 2019, 01:40 PM
• Last activity: Nov 28, 2023, 06:30 PM
1
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1
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2519
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How do I know if an Apple Pencil 2 is original/authentic or fake?
A friend of mine gifted me an Apple Pencil 2 a few days ago. When I pasted its serial number to Apple's coverage site, it **does** say that it is indeed an Apple Pencil 2, **but** it displays the message "Sorry, we’re currently unable to validate your purchase date". [![Screenshot of Apple's Support...
A friend of mine gifted me an Apple Pencil 2 a few days ago. When I pasted its serial number to Apple's coverage site, it **does** say that it is indeed an Apple Pencil 2, **but** it displays the message "Sorry, we’re currently unable to validate your purchase date".
![Screenshot of Apple's Support site showing an error message about not being able to validate the purchase date ][1]
Does this message tell something about the originality of the Pencil? Or is it conclusive enough already that it is original as it displays that the device is Apple Pencil 2? Well, I am only concerned on knowing if the Pencil is indeed original/authentic, that's all
shanrmn7
(11 rep)
Aug 2, 2023, 10:06 AM
• Last activity: Aug 2, 2023, 02:11 PM
1
votes
2
answers
10402
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Bluetooth PIN code for Apple Pencil
I need to pair with an Apple Pencil; yet I cannot seem to be able to determine the correct PIN for the device. What is the default PIN for an Apple Pencil Version One? 
I need to pair with an Apple Pencil; yet I cannot seem to be able to determine the correct PIN for the device. What is the default PIN for an Apple Pencil Version One?
nope
(11 rep)
Dec 15, 2020, 01:18 PM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2023, 06:31 AM
3
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2
answers
394
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Looking for an iPad pencil compatible app with a large or infinite canvas
I tried Sketch and some other drawing apps. I’d like a bigger canvas to work with. Most seem to only be 8 1/2 by 11 or standard page size. Is there a way to expand the canvas on some of the basic drawing apps or is the a good app that provides a large drawing area?
I tried Sketch and some other drawing apps. I’d like a bigger canvas to work with. Most seem to only be 8 1/2 by 11 or standard page size.
Is there a way to expand the canvas on some of the basic drawing apps or is the a good app that provides a large drawing area?
David Scruggs
(31 rep)
Nov 7, 2017, 05:08 PM
• Last activity: Apr 16, 2023, 03:53 PM
1
votes
1
answers
1821
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iPad: How to write on sticky notes with Pencil in Freeform
Im currently trying out freeform and was surprised to find out that I can not write anything with my Pencil on sticky notes. I can add text to sticky notes the usual ways, but anything writen with Apple Pencil is not attached to the sticky note. I.e. if I move the sticky note my writen text doenst m...
Im currently trying out freeform and was surprised to find out that I can not write anything with my Pencil on sticky notes. I can add text to sticky notes the usual ways, but anything writen with Apple Pencil is not attached to the sticky note. I.e. if I move the sticky note my writen text doenst move along with it.
Am I missing something?
perelin
(150 rep)
Dec 15, 2022, 11:23 AM
• Last activity: Mar 10, 2023, 10:19 AM
1
votes
0
answers
152
views
Any way to record the screen of an iPad commanding it with an Apple Pencil and see where it touches?
I have to create a video that is a demonstration on how to draw something on the iPad using Apple Pencil 1. I have tried recording using QuickTime on the Mac and also the screen recording capability of the device itself and the video does not show a circle to represent where the pencil is touching a...
I have to create a video that is a demonstration on how to draw something on the iPad using Apple Pencil 1.
I have tried recording using QuickTime on the Mac and also the screen recording capability of the device itself and the video does not show a circle to represent where the pencil is touching and neither show circles to representing fingers touching on the screen.
I mean a similarity like "show mouse clicks" when you record from the Mac screen.
Xcode's Simulator does this, but I cannot run the program I need in the simulator because it is a commercial app and the pencil does not work in the Mac.
Don't tell me that there is no solution!
Duck
(2572 rep)
Mar 5, 2023, 05:51 PM
• Last activity: Mar 5, 2023, 06:13 PM
1
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0
answers
2668
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Ipad with apple pencil write anywhere, not writing anywhere
# A new iPad iOS14 and an Apple pencil I hare recently acquired an iPad from work. In has iOS 14 and an apple pencil. I iOS 14 says that I can use the pencil as a keyboard (text input device) anywhere. I tried the demo / training app. It seems OK. # I then tried it in a real situation. The first thi...
# A new iPad iOS14 and an Apple pencil
I hare recently acquired an iPad from work. In has iOS 14 and an apple pencil.
I iOS 14 says that I can use the pencil as a keyboard (text input device) anywhere. I tried the demo / training app. It seems OK.
# I then tried it in a real situation.
The first thing that I tried was a google doc (we use them at work. Don't ask why we are using google on iPad). I get the pen icon appear and the little tool tray. However the pen acts as a finger and causes the page to scroll up and down.
It seems to work in some form boxes, in some apps, including the document/file rename form of google docs.
**How do I get it to work in the main part of google docs. So that I can write a document with it?**
It seems that the problem is that the start of the first line has to be in the input box for the handwriting recognition software to be triggered, and in this situation it is not happening. If possible I would like to be able to write anywhere (on the screen), and for it to write at the current cursor position. And for there to be cursor positioning tools.
Is this possible?
ctrl-alt-delor
(127 rep)
Sep 25, 2020, 08:13 AM
• Last activity: Mar 3, 2023, 08:02 AM
0
votes
1
answers
358
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Disable or workaround to iPad waking up and Pen is magnetically attached
So I just upgraded my old iPad which supported pen 1.0 to new iPad Air with pen 2.0 which is now magnetically attached to the side now my issue is that the magnets are not super strong so when I insert the iPad to my backpack when the Pen is magnetically attached to the side of it, every minor movem...
So I just upgraded my old iPad which supported pen 1.0 to new iPad Air with pen 2.0 which is now magnetically attached to the side
now my issue is that the magnets are not super strong so when I insert the iPad to my backpack when the Pen is magnetically attached to the side of it, every minor movement slides the pen a little out not completely but enough for it to disconnect and reconnect back with the magnets.
Thats causes the screen to wake up.
I know it may sound silly but it actually happens way too many times even while I'm still holding it and then my fingers press stuffs accidentally.
Is there a way to disable that feature that when the pen is charging (attached magnetically to the side) the screen will not wake up?
I disabled "Tap to Wake" but that's not it,
or perhaps any workaround to avoid that?
b.t.w I go caseless.
Yarden Cohen
(121 rep)
Jul 3, 2022, 04:12 PM
• Last activity: Feb 12, 2023, 04:03 AM
3
votes
1
answers
12257
views
How to switch keyboard to normal view in Chrome?
Something happened and onscreen keyboard (in Google Chrome) on my iPad Pro 11" was switched to small mode. > [![enter image description here][1]][1] Is's not clear what is happened and how to switch it back to normal view. In Safari it has normal view: > [![enter image description here][2]][2] I'm o...
Something happened and onscreen keyboard (in Google Chrome) on my iPad Pro 11" was switched to small mode.
> 
Is's not clear what is happened and how to switch it back to normal view. In Safari it has normal view:
> 
I'm on iPadOS 16.3
My issue seems slightly different than in https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/452490/ipad-keyboard-is-now-small , where floating keyboard can be moved to the bottom and expanded to normal view. In my case this doesn't work, and as you can see in my case there is small addition floating window with "undo, top/up, mic, enter" buttons, that not exist while regular floating keyboard is displayed.
Is's not clear what is happened and how to switch it back to normal view. In Safari it has normal view:
>
I'm on iPadOS 16.3
My issue seems slightly different than in https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/452490/ipad-keyboard-is-now-small , where floating keyboard can be moved to the bottom and expanded to normal view. In my case this doesn't work, and as you can see in my case there is small addition floating window with "undo, top/up, mic, enter" buttons, that not exist while regular floating keyboard is displayed.
αλεχολυτ
(199 rep)
Feb 7, 2023, 08:54 AM
• Last activity: Feb 8, 2023, 03:50 PM
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