How to Charge an Apple Pencil and Improve Its Battery Life

Introduction

You finally got an Apple Pencil for your gorgeous iPad! You can’t stop smiling, can you? If you’ve already started using the Apple Pencil, you must surely be blown away by its features. How excellent can an Apple accessory even be?

With great gadgets comes great responsibility. You bought the pencil, but it’s time to show that you care. Whether it is learning how to charge an apple pencil or improving its battery life, you need to put your best foot forward. 

Taking care and making proper use of your gadgets is going to ensure that it has a long shelf life. This applies to accessories like the Apple Pencil too. You’re at the right place if you are wondering how to improve the battery life of the Apple Pencil. 

We are not only talking about the battery, but we are also going to cover a host of other things about it. 

Table of Contents

• How to Charge an Apple Pencil?
• How to Check the Charging Status of Your Apple Pencil?
• How to Check the Battery Status of Your Apple Pencil?
• How to Improve the Battery Life of Your Apple Pencil?
• Launch of the Apple Pencil
• Stylus – Just Like A Pencil But Only Better
• What Is the Apple Pencil?
• Different Generations – Apple Pencil 1 vs 2
• Differences in Design – Apple Pencil 1 vs 2
• Differences in Features: Apple Pencil 1 vs 2
• Differences in Battery & Charging: Apple Pencil 1 vs 2
• Differences in Compatibility & Pricing: Apple Pencil 1 vs 2
• How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad?
• Conclusion 
• Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Pencil

How to Charge an Apple Pencil?

We will talk about everything from charging an apple pencil to the total time it takes to do it!

First things first, depending on your Apple Pencil’s generation, the charging method will vary. We’ll look at Apple Pencil 1 and then move on to Apple Pencil 2.

How to Charge Apple Pencil 1?

Apple Pencil 1 does not have wireless charging. You’ll find a lightning port enclosed within a metallic strip cap at one end of the pencil. 

For the unaware, Apple Pencil hit the shelves in 2015. Apple incorporated quite a few controversial design choices in the first-gen pencil. This is because it was supposed to complement the iPad Pro. 

One such design choice that invited criticism was its charging feature. Unlike Apple Pencil 2, the first-gen pencil doesn’t have a wireless charging facility. So, users have to plug the pencil in and charge it.

There are two methods to charge apple pencil 1. The first one is to charge it with the help of the charging adapter provided by Apple. The second method is to plug the stylus pen into the iPad itself.

1] Charging Apple Pencil 1 With Lightning Adapter

Charging an apple pencil using the adapter method is relatively easy. Recall that you get an apple pencil charging adapter when you purchase the first-generation Apple Pencil. There are just two steps involved in this process –

1. First, remove the cap of Apple Pencil 1 and plug it into the lightning adapter.

2. Second, plug the lightning adapter into a power source to start charging.

2] Charging Apple Pencil 1 With Your iPad

The second method to charge an apple pencil is by using your iPad. However, you’ll quickly notice that this is quite inconvenient and cumbersome. 

Admittedly, this method is preferred when you are outdoors and can’t use a lightning cable. There are two steps involved in this process as well –

1. Remove the metallic cap of your Apple Pencil 1.
2. Next, you need to connect the pencil to your iPad. Simply plug it into your iPad’s port to start charging.

Be warned; using this method will drain the battery of your iPad. Moreover, you can’t comfortably use your iPad when the pencil is charging since it is placed perpendicular to the lighting port of your iOS device.

So, How Long Does it Take to Charge Apple Pencil 1?

The charging speed of the Apple Pencil is what makes it unique! Apple claims that within 15 seconds, you can get an Apple Pencil to work for half an hour. If you want a 100% battery for your pencil, it takes 30 minutes to charge it completely.

How to Charge Apple Pencil 2?

Charging the Apple Pencil 2 is child’s play. Similar to Apple Pencil 1, there are just two steps –

1. Turn on your iPad’s Bluetooth connection.

2. Place your Apple Pencil 2 on the long side of your iPad. This is where the magnetic connector is located, which is on the right of the iPad’s volume key and power key.

Once you have placed your pencil on top of the screen, the charging will begin automatically. The battery level of the Apple Pencil will be displayed on the screen.

So, How Long Does it Take to Charge Apple Pencil 2?

With the upgrade, Apple has made its stylus pen remarkably efficient, and they have reduced the charging time required to use the pencil. 

If you charge your pencil for even a minute, you’ll get a battery life of 2 hours. If you want a completely charged Apple Pencil, it will only take around 10 minutes. Here’s a visual guide on how to charge your Apple Pencil:

How to Check the Charging Status of Your Apple Pencil?

There is no feature on the Apple Pencil itself to know whether it is charging or not. So how do you check the charge status of the Apple Pencil? Read the steps below:

Apple Pencil 1

Unfortunately, you can’t know whether your first-generation Apple Pencil is really charging or not. The only workaround is to check the battery status or use the Batteries widget option.

Apple Pencil 2

For Apple Pencil 2, there are two methods to check the charging status.

A] Method 1

1. You need to swipe from left to right on the Homescreen of your iPad. Next, you’ll see the Today view menu.

2. In the Today view menu, go to the Batteries section. Click on it, and you’ll see the Apple Pencil 2’s icon. 

3. If the pencil is charging, there will be a lightning bolt sign within the icon.

B] Method 2

1. Swipe from left to right on the Homescreen of your iPad. 

2. When you see the Today view menu, scroll down, and you’ll notice an Edit Button.

3. Click on the Edit Button and look for a Batteries widget option.

4. Select the Batteries widget and add it to your Home view. 

Remember that to see the Batteries widget, you must keep your Bluetooth connection on.

How to Check the Battery Status of Your Apple Pencil?

Similarly, you might want to check the battery status of your Apple Pencil. As we mentioned above, you could enable the Batteries widget on your Home screen to check the battery of both your Apple Pencils. 

However, there is another way to view the battery status of your Apple Pencil 2. 

Read the steps below to know how to check the Apple pencil battery status of your Apple Pencil 2.

1] Method 1

1. Unlock your iPad and turn on your Bluetooth. You can go to Settings > Bluetooth and then turn it on.

2. Place your Apple Pencil on the magnetic connector of the iPad. Your pencil will automatically attach itself to the device.

3. A popup will appear on the top of the screen that will show the battery status of your Apple Pencil.

2] Method 2

1. Visit the Settings menu of your iPad.
2. Select the Apple Pencil section in the menu.
3. In the Apple Pencil section, you’ll see the battery status on the top right corner of the Apple.

Charging and checking the battery status of your pencil is a quick and easy process. Learning alternative methods will help you ensure the battery status of your pencil remains optimal.

How to Improve the Battery Life of Your Apple Pencil?

   

Even though a fully charged Apple Pencil can last for 12 hours, there are specific steps that you can take to extend the battery life. 

Apple Pencils have a long lifespan. However, they can depreciate if you don’t take good care of the pencil and its battery. Here are a few handy apple pencil tips to keep in mind while using your Apple Pencil –

1. If your Apple Pencil is 100% charged, unpair it from your iPad for some time. Once you unpair your pencil, it will shut down entirely.  To unpair, go to settings and click on the Bluetooth section to turn it off. This will not only save the battery of your pencil but will also help preserve your iPad’s battery life. 
   
   Setting the pencil aside for a couple of hours will help maintain its charge for longer. This way, the battery won’t drain unless you pair and use it.

2. If you want to turn on your iPad’s Bluetooth for other reasons – you could try using the ‘forget’ option to disconnect your pencil. Simply go to settings, and click on the Bluetooth section. You will see a list of devices recognized by your iPad. 
   
   Look for the name of the Apple Pencil in the list. On the right side of the word, you’ll see a ⓘ symbol. Click on it and select ‘Forget this Device.’ You can repair it when you decide to use the pencil again.

3. If you stop using your Apple Pencil for some time, it will go ‘to sleep.’  This is similar to putting your laptop on sleep mode. Though it won’t shut down the pencil or device completely, low usage will ensure that the battery doesn’t drain so fast.

4. Another tip is to try and keep your Apple Pencil charged up to 10-15% at all times, which will help prevent rapid battery loss. 
   
   Additionally, keep an eye on the Batteries widget in the notifications corner, which will help you keep a tab on your battery level.

These are some helpful apple pencil tips that will help save your battery usage. However, it is worth mentioning that Apple’s primary focus is on connecting your pencil to the iPad as fast as possible, and saving battery life is not really at the forefront of their goals.

So, your pencil will still lose charge even when you’re not using it. This is because it was always designed to be “on.” 

Additionally, you should try and avoid using the pencil for long hours. Squeeze in a break or two from writing or drawing so that you preserve the battery.

You might wonder whether your apple pencil is losing charge too fast.

If you feel like your pencil is losing charge too fast, it could indicate a problem. Despite its design, the Apple Pencil will not rapidly lose charge. If you find yourself charging the pencil within hours at a time, there could be an issue with the battery of the pencil. In this case, you should check your pencil or get help from Apple’s Support Team. 

Launch of the Apple Pencil

When the Apple Pencil was launched, the price came as a shock for many. Admittedly, the pencil is on the expensive side. Since you’ve spent the money, it’s best to be in the know-how. 

You’ll find many postings online where users are confused about how to charge an apple pencil. Additionally, users express confusion about its battery life as well in the Apple forums.

These days, Apple Pencils are a common sight. But, not many know what it can do. Even the average user might be unaware of the complete set of features that they could unlock with their Apple Pencil. 

Apple users love using a stylus on their iPad. Most people use this pencil-like gadget to take notes, draw illustrations, and produce fantastic design work. Apple even uses these characteristics as its tagline for the pencil “Dream it up. Jot it down.”

Stylus – Just Like A Pencil But Only Better

You might hear people refer to the Apple Pencil as a stylus. So, what is this whole fuss about stylus? 

A stylus is nothing but a tool that mimics your ordinary pencil on an electronic device. So, you can use it to click, draw, swipe, and sign. Basically, it acts like a pencil for your gadget.

Moving on, there are two types of stylus pen or styli (the plural form of a stylus). These are active and passive stylus pens. 

Here is a brief visual representation of the active vs. passive stylus pens:

Active stylus pens are also called powered pens. This is because they come with a built-in battery. To use an active stylus, you need to connect it to your device. 

You can do this with Bluetooth. Because of this connection and its battery, these pens are known for their precision and accuracy. People who love to sketch, draw, and take notes, will prefer using Active stylus pens. Apple Pencil falls in the category of active stylus pens.

On the other hand, passive stylus pens aren’t all that precise. Their only primary role is to work as your finger to interact with the touch screen. You’ll notice that passive stylus pens have a broader tip than their counterparts.

So, if you just want to surf or swipe on your tablet, you will stick to passive pens. Evidently, they are cheaper, more affordable, and more widely used than active pens. 

People usually call the passive pen an ‘extension of your finger.’ An example of a passive stylus pen is the Lynktec Stylus. 

What Is the Apple Pencil?

First, let’s dig a little deep into the features of the Apple Pencil.

The Apple Pencil is an active stylus pen. As we mentioned above, it has an in-built battery and requires a connection to the host device. Why was it designed? So that you could use it as a pen for your iPad.

Basically, an Apple Pencil moves just like how a regular pencil moves in your hand. However, it is one of, if not the best, stylus in the world. 

What sets an Apple Pencil apart is its precision. It helps you draw intricate designs and write notes in your own handwriting. In short, the stuff of dreams for art, design, sketching, or note-taking enthusiasts.

There are many active stylus pens in the market. So, why did Apple come up with its own stylus?

You see, before the Apple Pencil launch, many companies were selling stylus pens contending to be a perfect match for the iPad. However, this was far from the truth.

These stylus pens were not as efficient as they claimed to be, and using them was akin to using your fingers on your iPad. So, Apple decided to enter the stylus lot. 

In 2015, the company launched the First-Generation Apple Pencil. However, people were quite surprised that Apple decided to launch a stylus pen. Why was everyone surprised?

Apple’s former CEO, Steve Jobs, was the most prominent stylus critic. 

During the launch of the original iPhone in 2007, Jobs famously asked, “Who wants a stylus? You have to get ‘em, put ‘em away, you lose ‘em, yuck. Nobody wants a stylus!”

It didn’t end there. 

In 2010, during the iOS 4 launch, Jobs took a jab at the stylus again. He declared, “It’s like we said on the iPad; if you see a stylus, they blew it.”

Yet the company did go ahead and “blow it” in 2015. More than the shift in its philosophy, there was something even more shocking about the Apple Pencil, and that was its price – A whopping $99!

So, the question naturally arises – Why is it so expensive?

It is all in the features of the Apple Pencil. These features are palm rejection, precise pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, low latency, folded logic board, and compact size.

Read more: Convection vs. Conventional ovens: Difference, Pros & Cons

Big words, we know. Don’t worry; we will dissect these features one by one – 

* Note that the pencil in the diagram represents the latest second-generation Apple Pencil. 

1. Once your Apple Pencil is connected to the iPad, you don’t have to fear your palm registering any unintended marks on the digital page. 
   
   This is because the pencil has the palm rejection feature. Once connected to the device, it only recognizes the pencil’s tip and not your fingers or palm!

2. Want a thicker line while drawing on an iPad? Apple Pencil helps you do that with its precise pressure sensitivity feature. The line becomes thicker or thinner depending on how much pressure you apply to the iPad. 

3. An Apple Pencil has extremely low latency or lag. So, if you draw or write something on the iPad, it will immediately appear on the screen. Specifically, the Apple Pencil has a latency rate of 9 milliseconds which is quite impressive.

4. An Apple Pencil functions pretty much like your regular pencil. If you want to change the angle at which you are holding the pencil relative to the iPad surface, the tilt sensitivity feature allows you to do just that. 
   
   Say, for instance, you are sketching on your iPad and want to change the angle at which you hold the pencil. The Apple pencil can detect this change, affecting the width and darkness of the resultant line on the iPad.

5. An Apple Pencil is one of the thinnest styluses out there! The company has taken great care to make the accessory as compact as possible by designing a folded logic board. The middle part of the pencil houses most of its technology – Bluetooth chip, processor, etc.

6. Finally, the standout feature of the Apple Pencil is its unbelievable charging speed. The company states that mere 15 seconds of charging can give you approximately 30 minutes of battery life. So, you no longer have to wait for hours to charge your pencil.

Different Generations – Apple Pencil 1 vs 2

There are two generations of Apple Pencils – Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2. 

So, what’s the difference between them?

Apple has been efficient at updating its styluses. It is reported that the apple pencil 3 will be launched quite soon! With different generations and versions being launched, it could be challenging to keep up with their essential functions.

Let’s look at the difference between apple pencil 1 and 2. Hopefully, this will give you a better idea about whether or not you should upgrade your pencil.

Firstly, Apple Pencil 1 was launched in 2015. On the other hand, Apple Pencil 2 was released in 2018. The gap between their release means that there will be a fundamental difference between apple pencil 1 and 2.

We base our comparisons between apple pencil 1 vs 2  on four core factors. These are design, features, battery life, compatibility & pricing.

Differences in Design – Apple Pencil 1 vs 2

If there’s something that Apple is known for, it is its design. You’ll find many dupes of the company’s product in the market. It just goes to show how mainstream the brand is in popular culture.

Since the two generations were launched after a gap of 3 years, there are some design differences between apple pencil 1 vs 2 –

Apple Pencil 1

The first-generation Apple Pencil is 6.92 inches with a diameter of 0.35 inches and a weight of 20.7 grams. You’ll find a lightning jack enclosed within a metallic strip cap on one end of the pencil.

On the other end, you’ll see a matte plastic nib. If you want, you could remove the tip with the help of a metal connector pin. As a whole, the first-gen pencil looks quite circular and has a smooth finish.

However, not everybody was a fan of the design. A highly talked about feature of the Apple Pencil 1 was its lightning jack. Do remember that the pencil was designed to complement the iPad Pro. 

Apart from the charging adapter, users could also instantly charge the pencil by plugging it into the iPad’s lightning port. But, this made the whole charging process quite awkward, and the first-gen would stick out like a sore thumb of the iPad Pro.

Apple Pencil 2

By the time Apple Pencil 2 rolled out, the company had learned from its mistakes. The second-generation Apple Pencil is 6.53 inches with the same diameter and a slightly increased weight of 21 grams.

Unlike the first generation, Apple Pencil 2 has a matte finish and bears more resemblance to traditional pencils. The company got rid of the lightning port from the pencil. Instead, they added magnetic pins on the sides of the pencil. 

This allowed the pencil to magnetically attach itself to the iPad, automatically pair with it, and charge on the go. This single design change solved all the issues associated with the first-gen Apple Pencil.

Differences in Features: Apple Pencil 1 vs 2

Though the price of the Apple Pencil comes as a shocker, the stylus pen is the best in the market for its features. Here is the difference between apple pencil 1 and 2:

Apple Pencil 1

The first–generation pencil has all the features you would want in a stylus. However, the Apple tag gives it an oomph factor. 

The design aim was to be as close to the traditional pencil as possible. You can see this in the pencil’s weight, in-hand feel, precise pressure, and tilt sensitivity.

Moreover, connecting the Apple Pencil 1 to the iPad for the first time is a breeze. Finally, the palm rejection feature and the low latency levels replicate the feeling of scribbling or writing over the paper.

Apple Pencil 2

Regarding features, Apple Pencil 2 is quite similar to the first-gen pencil. The company has, however, attempted to make the pencil even more efficient. Some additional features include lowered latency, touch gesture support, and magnetic pins.

We’ve already mentioned the addition of magnetic pins in Apple Pencil 2. By removing the clumsy lightning port from Apple Pencil 1, the second-gen pencil looks like a completed design.

Secondly, the second-gen pencil also has a reduced latency rate. The company states that they have reduced the latency rate from 20 milliseconds to 9 milliseconds in Apple Pencil 2. 

Finally, the newer version has also incorporated touch gesture support. This feature was not available in the first-gen pencil. If you double-tap Apple Pencil 2, you can swap between different tools within apps.

Differences in Battery & Charging: Apple Pencil 1 vs 2

For artists and note-takers, a stylus pen’s battery life feature is the most critical factor. Apple Pencils score big in this department-

Apple Pencil 1

Perhaps, the most criticized feature of the Apple Pencil 1 was its charging design. If you wanted to charge the pencil, you could simply plug the lightning port into the iPad. 

However, the implementation of this was quite terrible in the first-gen pencil. The pencil is attached in a perpendicular shape to the iPad. 

So, users can’t do anything while the pencil is charging. But, apart from the lightning port, Apple did provide another charging method, i.e., an extra adapter for the pencil.

In the battery life department, users had zero complaints. According to Apple, just 30 seconds of charging could give the pencil a battery life of 15 minutes. Users have mentioned that it took a mere 25 minutes to get a fully charged Apple Pencil that worked for over 12 hours.

Apple Pencil 2

Apple was quite receptive to the feedback from first-gen users. You can see this in the structure of the second-gen pencil. The company changed the charging design completely.

Apple Pencil 2 has the magnetic pin charging feature. All you need to do is rest the pencil on the side of the iPad for it to start charging!

This added feature has made all the difference. By removing the lightning port, the user’s workflow doesn’t get interrupted just because they have to charge the pen.

The battery life and charging speed are the same for Apple Pencil 2. With the magnetic pins feature, the pencil will never be low on battery!  

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Differences in Compatibility & Pricing: Apple Pencil 1 vs 2

Whether you are looking to upgrade or purchase a second-hand used apple pencil, knowing about apple pencil compatibility is extremely crucial. This is one of the most asked questions by probable product users.

Here’s the difference between apple pencil 1 and 2 in terms of compatibility:

Apple Pencil 1

The common misconception is that the first-gen Apple Pencil is compatible with all iPad models. This is not true, and there are only a few devices that the first-gen pencil can work on! 

Here is a list of all the iPads that are compatible with the Apple Pencil 1:

1. iPad Air (3rd generation)
2. iPad Air (4th generation)
3. iPad Mini (5th generation)
4. iPad (6th generation)
5. iPad (7th generation)
6. iPad (8th generation)
7. iPad Pro 12.9 inch ( 1st generation)
8. iPad Pro 12.9 inch (2nd generation)
9. iPad Pro 9.7 inch
10. iPad Pro 10.5 inch

Even though Apple Pencil 1 is the cheaper option, its compatibility issue with the iPad lineup makes it a second choice.

Regarding cost, Apple Pencil 1 is priced at $99. Though the price is high, iPad users prefer the Apple Pencil over other stylus pens. Being a first-party application translates to a great user experience. Moreover, the quality of the Apple Pencil justifies the cost.

Apple Pencil 2

There are significant design changes in the Apple Pencil 2. So, this makes Apple Pencil compatible only with the newer versions of iPad. There is no provision for an external charging adapter in Apple Pencil 2. 

So, Apple Pencil 2 compatibility is restricted to iPads with an inductive charging facility (i.e., wireless charging). If you have older iPads, you will have to use Apple Pencil 1. Here is a list of iPads that are compatible with Apple Pencil 2:

1. iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
2. iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
3. iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
4. iPad Mini (6th generation)
5. iPad Air (4th generation
6. iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd generation)
7. iPad Pro 12.9 inch (4th generation)
8. iPad Pro 12.9 inch (5th generation)

An Apple Pencil 2 costs $129, which is quite an increase from the first-gen pencil. However, Apple undoubtedly boosted the second-gen pencil with great features. 

Features like magnetic pins, low latency rate, and a touch sensor have made the Apple Pencil 2 stand out in the stylus pen department. 

Here’s an infographic showing the significant differences between the two Apple Pencils.

How to Connect Apple Pencil to iPad?

So, we’ve covered all the theoretical aspects related to Apple Pencils! 

Now, we’ll explore the practical part of using the Apple Pencil. This section will show you how to set up an apple pencil.

Before we get started, a gentle reminder – Don’t forget to check whether your Apple Pencil is compatible with your iPad. If you have doubts, read the previous section to know which Apple Pencil is compatible with your iOS device.

As we mentioned, Apple Pencil 1 has a lightning jack that is plugged into the iPad’s port. Contrarily, Apple Pencil 2 doesn’t have a lightning jack. To charge Apple Pencil 2, we use the magnetic connector on the iPad.

Let’s look at the step-by-step guide on how to pair apple pencil with an iPad:

How to Pair Apple Pencil 1 With Your iPad?

1. Unlock your iPad and turn on your Bluetooth. You can go to Settings > Bluetooth and then turn it on.

2. Remove the cap of your pencil and plug it into the iPad lightning connector. If you forgot to switch on the Bluetooth, a dialogue box would appear, prompting you to turn it on.

3. Next, a pop-up will appear on the screen asking, “Would you like to use this pencil with your iPad?

4. Tap the Pair option. You can now use your Apple Pencil.

Your Apple Pencil 1 will stay connected unless you’ve restarted the iPad, turned on the flight mode, or used Bluetooth to pair to another device.

How to Pair Apple Pencil 2 With Your iPad?

Connecting the Apple Pencil 2 to your iPad is quite similar to Apple Pencil 1. However, the second step differs due to the absence of the lightning jack. This is how to connect apple pencil to iPad –

1. Unlock your iPad and turn on your Bluetooth. You can go to Settings > Bluetooth and then turn it on.

2. Place your Apple Pencil on the magnetic connector of the iPad. Your pencil will automatically attach itself to the device.

3. A pop-up will appear on the screen asking, “Would you like to use this pencil with your iPad?”

4. Tap the Connect option. You can now use your Apple Pencil.

Your apple pencil won’t connect unless you follow these steps.

Conclusion 

A game changer in the stylus pen department, Apple Pencils are a class apart. However, the price of both pencils is staggering. But, the features and functions that Apple Pencils provide make it worth your buck. People might look at the Apple Pencil and think of it as an overpriced plastic stylus. 

This is especially true when other stylus competitors like Samsung, Adonit, and Logitech Crayon charge way lower than Apple. However, making a compact stylus like the Apple Pencil requires impressive technology!

From its launch in 2015, the pencil has come a long way. In 2018, Apple upgraded the first gen and released Apple Pencil 2. This version saw additional features like touch sensors, magnetic pins, fast charging, and low latency. With rumors of the launch of the Apple Pencil 3, we can’t wait to see what the company has in store for iPad users.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Pencil