The new Apple Pencil 2 has gesture controls and charges wirelessly from the iPad Pro

By Dami Lee@dami_lee Oct 30, 2018, 11:06am EDT

Apple announced an updated version of its Pencil at its iPad Pro and MacBook event today, and although it keeps much of the original specs of the original stylus it released in 2015, it still features some updates made specifically for the new iPad Pro. With the new iPad Pros switching to USB-C ports, it makes sense for Apple to release another Pencil that uses a new charging method.

The Apple Pencil 2 now charges wirelessly via a magnetic attachment that clips to the side of the tablet and lets it automatically pair. It’s a way better solution than the previous charging method, which was a precarious situation that required plugging the Pencil into the iPad’s Lightning port. The design is more minimalistic than before, with the silver rail on the top and detachable cap now gone. The Pencil also now has one flat side, so it doesn’t roll off the table.

The Pencil 2 also adds gesture controls, which let users tap the sides of the Pencil to switch tools. For example, in the Notes app, you can tap twice to switch your tool from a pencil to an eraser. The gesture controls are customizable, so you can map it to other functions in different drawing apps.

The second-generation Apple Pencil costs $129, which is $30 more than its predecessor. If you order from Apple.com online, there’s an option for a free laser engraving. The Pencil appears to only be compatible with the third-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.