Future of Apple Pencil -- MacBook / Thunderbolt display support?

[bennyf]

Has anyone seen any hints or rumors of an updated Apple Pencil? $100 is enough money that I'm hesitant to buy a 1st Gen apple product a year after release, even though it is "just" an accessory.

I don't have anything to add regarding a wishlist that hasn't already been repeated by reviews, but just hate the idea that the moment I buy, it will get updated.

I've borrowed one and used it for a while and am quite a fan, but have almost lost the cap on multiple occasions (now I just leave it off). I would like to see Apple open up the interface so that 3rd parties could create give us different options, but nothing even comes close to the Pencil that I've seen right now. Never thought I'd say it, but it is the single biggest new feature to the iPad in the history of the device. My opinion of course, but resolution updates and performance bumps are just hard to call revolutionary in any way like the Pencil is. And the fingerprint sensor debuted on the iPhone.

I'm even wondering if the new MacBook would support it. Kind of awkward to use on a laptop, especially if the laptop doesn't fold flat. But I bet many a graphic design artist would love ALL Apple displays and laptops to support the pencil even if they stick to dedicated devices for serious work.

Even if the Pencil sees an update, I would assume that the first gen device would support additional devices.

 

[Confuse123]

Has anyone seen any hints or rumors of an updated Apple Pencil? $100 is enough money that I'm hesitant to buy a 1st Gen apple product a year after release, even though it is "just" an accessory.

I don't have anything to add regarding a wishlist that hasn't already been repeated by reviews, but just hate the idea that the moment I buy, it will get updated.

I've borrowed one and used it for a while and am quite a fan, but have almost lost the cap on multiple occasions (now I just leave it off). I would like to see Apple open up the interface so that 3rd parties could create give us different options, but nothing even comes close to the Pencil that I've seen right now. Never thought I'd say it, but it is the single biggest new feature to the iPad in the history of the device. My opinion of course, but resolution updates and performance bumps are just hard to call revolutionary in any way like the Pencil is. And the fingerprint sensor debuted on the iPhone.

I'm even wondering if the new MacBook would support it. Kind of awkward to use on a laptop, especially if the laptop doesn't fold flat. But I bet many a graphic design artist would love ALL Apple displays and laptops to support the pencil even if they stick to dedicated devices for serious work.

Even if the Pencil sees an update, I would assume that the first gen device would support additional devices.

I was wondering the same thing. I just bought an iPad Pro 9.7" for school and wanted to use the Apple pencil, but I'm afraid an updated version will come out in September.

 

[SDColorado]

What improvements to the pencil do you foresee, that would require Apple to update it soon? I Personally don't see an updated pencil in the near future, but maybe I am wrong.

 

[bennyf]

What improvements to the pencil do you foresee, that would require Apple to update it soon? I Personally don't see an updated pencil in the near future, but maybe I am wrong.

Thought about including this in original post but siding want to start a fight:
- cap management. I keep cap in my bag to prevent loss.
- better charge system: makes me very nervous to plug into the iPad given how inflexible it is. So introduce some flex or an entirely different mechanism for charging. Wireless maybe?
- a button. Even one makes you exponentially more productive.
- colors: Apple likes multiple colors. Apple Pencil model red would be cool.
- smaller form factor option. Like a golf pencil.
- offer engraving option (they are easy to lose)

 

[KOTULCN]

- Harder tips like the Surface Pen

- a clip

- an eraser function

 

[SDColorado]

Thought about including this in original post but siding want to start a fight:
- cap management. I keep cap in my bag to prevent loss.
- better charge system: makes me very nervous to plug into the iPad given how inflexible it is. So introduce some flex or an entirely different mechanism for charging. Wireless maybe?
- a button. Even one makes you exponentially more productive.
- colors: Apple likes multiple colors. Apple Pencil model red would be cool.
- smaller form factor option. Like a golf pencil.
- offer engraving option (they are easy to lose)

There are some solutions available 3rd party, such as the pencil cozy:

https://goo.gl/images/bwMs0l

Techmatte Apple Pencil charging cords:

http://www.techmatte.com/APC-3FT

Moxiware Apple Pencil Charging Dock (currently sold out)

http://www.moxiware.com/products/apple-pencil-dock


I agree with you about the default charging system. When you have something that sticks out like that on a somewhat brittle connector, you have to create space to plug it in safely and take precautions.

A button would be nice, particularly if programable, to be able to be used for maybe eraser, highlighter, ink color changes, etc.

Apple does like multiple colors, except when it comes to peripheral devices. They like Apple white mice and may decide they just like Apple white pencils, though I wouldn't mind seeing red, blue, green and maybe a high-viz orange or yellow for ease of finding it and remembering it.

Golf pencil size? I am not really sold on that one. I think the best uses golf pencils are for golf and shopping at IKEA

 

[rjtiedeman]

I have been using the Apple Pencil for 4 months and it works great but all the bits and pieces (cap, tips and adapter) are a pain to keep track of. Today I finally lost the USB cap and according to APPLE-NO-CARE they do not sell the CAP and if I need a new one you must buy a new pencil. If they could have slammed the door in my face I think they would have. Good thing it was a free 800 call.
So any way I just received a new Adonit Pixel ADPBL from BestBuy.com and it works as well as the Apple Pencil, has fewer pieces and you can buy the charging adapter and tips. In addition it works on my IPhone 6 Pro and most older IPads. By next year their will be other suppliers that get it. I did not have a good experience with APPLE support but hope your experience is better.

 

[bennyf]

- Harder tips like the Surface Pen

- a clip

- an eraser function

++ on both. I'd prefer eraser function via button of some kind over flipping pencil over so that very precise erasure is possible, since other end is rather blunt.

There are some solutions available 3rd party, such as the pencil cozy:

https://goo.gl/images/bwMs0l

Techmatte Apple Pencil charging cords:

http://www.techmatte.com/APC-3FT

Moxiware Apple Pencil Charging Dock (currently sold out)

http://www.moxiware.com/products/apple-pencil-dock


I agree with you about the default charging system. When you have something that sticks out like that on a somewhat brittle connector, you have to create space to plug it in safely and take precautions.

A button would be nice, particularly if programable, to be able to be used for maybe eraser, highlighter, ink color changes, etc.

Apple does like multiple colors, except when it comes to peripheral devices. They like Apple white mice and may decide they just like Apple white pencils, though I wouldn't mind seeing red, blue, green and maybe a high-viz orange or yellow for ease of finding it and remembering it.

Golf pencil size? I am not really sold on that one. I think the best uses golf pencils are for golf and shopping at IKEA

I like the cozy and will be getting one, but it's pretty easy to think of a half dozen better designs than the current one. It just seems like 1.0 solution ripe for improvement.

Hadn't seen those charge cords. Great idea.

The charge dock is potentially a good idea for some people, but to me the point of the iPad is mobility. When I'm at my desk it would be nice.

I have been using the Apple Pencil for 4 months and it works great but all the bits and pieces (cap, tips and adapter) are a pain to keep track of. Today I finally lost the USB cap and according to APPLE-NO-CARE they do not sell the CAP and if I need a new one you must buy a new pencil. If they could have slammed the door in my face I think they would have. Good thing it was a free 800 call.
So any way I just received a new Adonit Pixel ADPBL from BestBuy.com and it works as well as the Apple Pencil, has fewer pieces and you can buy the charging adapter and tips. In addition it works on my IPhone 6 Pro and most older IPads. By next year their will be other suppliers that get it. I did not have a good experience with APPLE support but hope your experience is better.

I have gone into full panic mode twice due to dropping the cap into couch cushions or dropping while walking. I had assumed thought that I would have been able to buy a replacement if needed. Kinda crazy anti-customer move there, Apple. Could see some shadier folks doing returns without caps... maybe that's what Apple wants us to do /sarcasm.

The color issue is interesting. Had never realized the obvious that accessories have never been colorfied. I'd still love the idea of a Product Red pencil.

Anyone have advice on how to keep the pencil from discharging when not in use? Sometimes it holds a charge for days without use and other times it seems to stay "on" (while stored away) and require a charge before use. I didn't use it everyday.

I've since returned the loaner from a friend and would be in the market for a good deal on a used one, if anyone has one tucked away that they could part with.

 

[Commy1]

I doubt that the pencil will come to other devices (except maybe th iPhones) simply because they don't have Lightening ports. Apple tends to like all of their products work extremely well together like a single idea, but unless there's wireless charging somehow I don't think it'll happen.

 

[bennyf]

I don't know, either it's just in my dreams or I read that the new MBP may support the pencil. Would make a lot of sense. Would need some kind of charge adapter included for that rare person who owns a MBP but no iPhone nor iPad. Or a Pencil redesign.

 

[SS4Luck]

It would be cool if there was a button to push for an eraser. Kind of like a click pen that holds the ink in or let's it retract with a hinged cover.

Put a female lightning receiver on it to charger it with your iPhone/iPad charger.

The cozy is cool, but in my STM case it doesn't fit....so I had to quit using it and now I'm back to the fear of losing it.


Metal body colored to math your iPad/black



The only way I can see improvement to the pencil.

 

[bennyf]

So sad no love in the keynote today. Was really hoping for 7plus support. Would have made holding off on upgrade from 6 a lot harder.

Fingers crossed it's being saved for the MacBook Pro announcement. Whenever that will be.

 

[subjonas]

Pencil support on Mac screens?? IN MY DREAMS! I've been waiting for pen input on MBP screens for years. But like you said, that would require the keyboard to be moved out of the way. I don't see that kind of fundamental design change happening in the next couple years. ):

So any way I just received a new Adonit Pixel ADPBL from BestBuy.com and it works as well as the Apple Pencil,

Sorry, works as well as the Apple Pencil?! I find that very hard to believe. Perhaps you weren't able to test out the Pencil's abilities extensively. Are there any reviews out there that agree with this claim?