Apple Pencil Pro review: edit your work with pro precision

The Apple Pencil Pro provides an intuitive and ergonomic way to interact with your iPad Pro

Apple Pencil Pro held in a hand
(Image: © George Cairns / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

If you’re a digital artist or a brush-based photo retoucher then you’ll notice a big difference between using your finger to paint on an iPad compared to the ergonomic experience provided by the Pencil Pro. The Pencil Pro’s ability to translate your hand movement into natural-looking brush strokes makes it a must-buy for some, though as I’m primarily a Final Cut Pro user I found that the Pencil Pro had less to offer me - especially when I had a Magic Keyboard attached to my iPad Pro and could trigger keyboard shortcuts with that.

Pros

  • +

    Customisable actions

  • +

    Charges while docked

  • +

    Visual and haptic feedback

Cons

  • -

    Limited usefulness in non-Apple apps

  • -

    Most expensive Apple Pencil

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Pencil Pro is the latest iPad-compatible stylus in the Apple Pencil line. It joins the Apple Pencil (second generation), the Apple Pencil (first generation), and the cheaper Apple Pencil USB-C. All four pencils enable you to draw, tap, and swipe on your iPad screen as a more accurate alternative to using your finger. Many people find that a stylus provides a more ergonomic and intuitive way to interact with an iPad’s touch-sensitive screen, especially in relation to drawing or using brush-based tools to retouch a picture.

The Pencil USB-C is the cheapest and most basic model. It requires charging via USB-C, while the latter two models charge as they magnetically clamp to your iPad. The original first-generation model charges via a Lightning connection. The second-generation pencil has tilt and pressure sensitivity so you can write and draw naturally and the new Pencil Pro adds additional features such as the ability to roll your brush as well as tilt it.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Compatibility iPad Models, iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2), iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
System RequirementsiPadOS 17.5 or later
Other featuresMagnetically attaches, pairs and charges
ConnectionBluetooth
Length166 mm (6.53 inches)
Diameter8.9 mm (0.35 inches)
Weight19.15 grams (0.68 ounces)
Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesHaptic feedback. Tilt, pressure and roll control. Compatible with Apple’s Find My app.★★★★★
DesignSleek and simple but with hidden properties such as squeeze control.★★★★☆
PerformanceWorks best with brush-based tools, though less useful when video editing. ★★★☆☆
ValueCosts more than the other three Apple Pencils but it’s the closest thing to a real brush tool.★★★★☆
Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Apple Pencil (USB-C)

If you own an older iPad and are on a budget then this older Apple Pencil model is worth a look. It enables you to write and draw with greater precious in an iPad app and it recognizes the tilt of the pencil for shading and other effects. It also supports the Apple Pencil ‘hover’ mode so you can preview your mark or stroke’s position before you make it. However, being a budget model it lacks the pressure sensitivity of its three Apple Pencil siblings.

Apple Pencil 2

Apple Pencil 2

You may be able to pick up this immediate predecessor to the Pencil Pro for a cheaper price, and it shares many of the Pro’s features (apart from barrel roll, squeeze, and haptic feedback). You can charge it while it docks magnetically to your iPad, ensuring that it stays charged while being easily within reach. And it’s also eligible for having your name engraved on it for free so you don’t mix it up with a colleague’s Pencil (though that’s less of a problem in the 'work from home’ era!).

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

George Cairns

George has been freelancing as a photo fixing and creative tutorial writer since 2002, working for award winning titles such as Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N-Photo and Practical Photoshop. He's expert in communicating the ins and outs of Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as producing video production tutorials on Final Cut Pro and iMovie for magazines such as iCreate and Mac Format. He also produces regular and exclusive Photoshop CC tutorials for his YouTube channel.