Have you picked up one of Apple‘s magical iPad styluses but aren‘t quite sure how to keep it powered up for all your drawing, writing, and creating needs? As an experienced tech specialist, let me walk you through the easiest ways to make sure your Apple Pencil always has juice.
A Quick Primer: Understanding the Apple Pencil
Before we dive into charging, let‘s review what exactly the Apple Pencil is and why it requires power in the first place.
The Apple Pencil is a digital pen accessory designed specifically for use with iPad tablets and their touchscreen capabilities. Using advanced internal sensors, it detects pressure, tilt, and other input variations to mimic a variety of real-world writing, sketching and drawing tools.
For creative professionals, students, note takers and more, the precision and natural feel of the Apple Pencil greatly enhances the iPad experience. It has become an essential tool for unlocking the full artistic and productive potential of these popular tablets.
But like any digital accessory, the Apple Pencil needs power to operate all its internal magic. That‘s why understanding charging options is so important for any Pencil owner.
Fortunately, Apple has made keeping your Pencil tipped up easier than ever…
Breaking Down the Two Apple Pencil Generations
While the original Apple Pencil launched back in 2015, a second generation model was released in 2018 with some notable upgrades. The most obvious changes centered around the charging mechanism and overall design aesthetic.
Let‘s compare the key differences between the generations:
| Generation | Release Date | Design | Charging Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | Nov 2015 | ● Fully round ● Glossy white finish ● Detachable cap with Lightning connector | Charges via Lightning cable through iPad port or adapter |
| 2nd Gen | Nov 2018 | ● Flat side prevents rolling ● Matte white finish ● No detachable cap | Magnetic wireless charging by attaching flat edge to side of iPad |
As you can see, there‘s been quite an evolution in terms of form and function. Now let‘s get into the good stuff – actually charging each Apple Pencil model.
Step-By-Step: How to Charge Your 1st Gen Apple Pencil
If you have the original with its sleek cylindrical design, here‘s a foolproof walkthrough to power it up:
Step 1: Remove Protective Cap
Find the magnetic chrome cap at the non-writing end and twist it off to reveal the Apple Pencil‘s Lightning connector. This is the same charger found on iPhones and other Apple devices. Be careful not to misplace this protective cap once removed!
Step 2: Attach Included Dongle (Optional)
The Pencil comes with a short USB adapter that has a female Lightning port on both sides. If you want to charge via a Lightning cable instead of directly through the iPad, go ahead and attach one end of this handy dongle to the now exposed charger on your Pencil.
If charging directly into the iPad‘s port, no need to attach the adapter. Your choice!
Step 3: Connect to Power Source
Finally, take the Apple Pencil‘s Lightning connector and plug it directly into the charging port on your compatible iPad. OR, connect that USB dongle you just attached to a standard iPhone/iPad Lightning cable.
And voila! Sit back and watch your 1st gen Apple Pencil soak up that sweet, sweet electricity.
Charging only takes around 10 minutes to reach 100%. Pretty speedy! Just be aware that the 1st gen Pencil cannot be used simultaneously while charging.
Also, avoid leaving it plugged in for extended periods to prevent overcharging the battery. Apple‘s built-in safeguards help prevent this, but best practice is to disconnect once fully juiced up.
Step-By-Step: How to Charge Your 2nd Gen Apple Pencil
If you have the newer 2nd generation model with its flat edge and matte finish, then charging just got even more hassle-free!
Step 1: Magnetically Attach Pencil to iPad
Simply align the flat portion of your Apple Pencil to the magnetic charging strip located along the top or side edge of your iPad (depending on model). Once in close contact, your Pencil will snap securely into place for wireless charging.
Boom, you‘re all connected! No cables, no adapters required. The flat side adheres firmly to the iPad‘s body for a sturdy, unrelenting charge.
In just 10 minutes, a completely dead 2nd gen Pencil will be fully rejuvenated and ready for another 12 hours of continuous use. Impressive stats right?
And the magnetic charging connection keeps things nice and tidy while avoiding any device port congestion.
Additional Charging Tips & Tricks
To ensure you optimize and extend Apple Pencil battery life, keep these key pointers in mind:
- Don‘t lose that 1st gen cap or misplace the USB dongle! These small accessories are crucial.
- When wirelessly charging the 2nd gen, ensure full flat side adhesion to the iPad for maximum efficiency.
- Both models display charging status notifications on the iPad‘s screen when connected.
- While supported, avoid charging below 20% or over 80% battery level whenever possible. This promotes long-term battery health.
- If you encounter charging issues, first check your connections, cables, and port for any debris or damage.
Trust me, following these pro tips will keep your Pencil powered up and performing like new!
The Last Word on Apple Pencil Charging
And there you have it my friend! With either the tried and true Lightning connector of the 1st gen or the upgraded magnetic wireless charging of the 2nd gen, keeping your Apple Pencil tipped up has never been easier.
Hopefully by now, you have all the inside information needed to charge up this game-changing iPad accessory and fully utilize it in your creative endeavors! But as always, drop any other Apple Pencil questions below!
