EXPLAINED… Key features of both generations

MAGNETIC CHARGING The first–gen’s Lightning charging involved sticking a pencil into your iPad’s charging port — which felt like a broken connector waiting to happen. The second– gen doesn’t have any connectors, it uses MagSafe–style inductive charging when you magnetically attach it to a compatible iPad.

TAP SENSOR

The second–gen Apple Pencil has no buttons; it has a tap sensor that can detect a tap or double– tap. In Apple apps, double–tapping near the tip switches back to the tool you used last; configure this in Settings > Apple Pencil. Third– party drawing apps have different options to use.

TILT AND PRESSURE SENSORS

Sensors inside the Apple Pencil can identify the angle you’re holding it at and how hard you’re pressing down. That’s useful for drawing and painting, because real–life materials and brushes work differently according to how firmly they’re applied.

LIGHTNING CONNECTOR The first generation Apple Pencil doesn’t have magnetic charging; it uses a Lightning connector that you plug into your iPad for charging and pairing with your device. The connector is hidden by a cover. You can also use the adapter to charge it from your iPhone or iPad’s charger.