In 2015, Apple unveiled its first stylus, the Apple Pencil, designed to work with iPad Pro. This stylus has proven effective in sketching, note-taking, and exploring the tablet, sparking the need for a second generation, which was released in 2018. However, a common question is whether the Apple Pencil works with the iPhone, and I respond to this concern in the sections below.
So, does the Apple Pencil work with the iPhone? The Apple Pencil does not work with iPhones but iPads only. This limitation is a hardware incompatibility issue with Apple using different iPad and iPhone display technologies. Hence, whether yours is an older or newer version iPhone, you cannot use an Apple Pencil with it.
An Apple Pencil offers convenience to users, especially in artwork, and having this accessory can be a plus. If you are loyal to Apple products, you probably own an iPad or iPhone. iPads feature a bigger display than iPhones and using them with an Apple Pencil is helpful in jotting ideas and editing documents. This tool is also precious to digital artists, with tons of pencil options and brushes. It is no wonder users want to know whether they can use it with the iPhone.
Your Apple Pencil will not work with the iPhone due to compatibility issues. According to Apple, the iPhone and iPad feature unique display technologies, and what works on an iPad will not necessarily work on an iPhone.
Unfortunately, many users work with the assumption of cross-compatibility in Apple devices. This is given the usability of Apple chargers, cables, and AirPods across devices. As a result, most people buy the Apple Pencil to use on their iPhone only to be frustrated. Thus, whether buying from the same brand or not, you should research before to avoid buying items that you may never use.
Since the incompatibility between Apple Pencil and iPhone is a hardware issue, it is unclear whether there are plans in the future to accommodate this. In the meantime, you can buy an iPad if you want to use the Apple Pencil.
Alternatively, you can switch to a Samsung Note or other android devices with a stylus. Still, you should research beforehand to ensure you buy something that meets your needs. A third-party stylus is also an option, but most have technical issues and glitches.
Does Apple Pencil Work With iPhone 11 And 11 Pro?
iPad users who own the Apple Pencil enjoy editing and painting, and iPhone users do not mind being a part of this. However, are all Apple products compatible? Does the apple pencil work with the iPhone 11 and 11 pro?
The Apple Pencil does not work with iPhone 11 and 11 Pro due to hardware compatibility issues. Apple is yet to release a screen on iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models that support these pencils. However, if you are uncomfortable using your iPhone with gloves on, you can try alternative smart Pencils with your iPhone, but you should be careful while purchasing to avoid glitches and bugs.
With the biggest iPhone 11 Pro display being smaller than an iPad, Apple Pencil is not mandatory for iPhone functionality. Hence, if you still want to stick to Apple products, upgrading to an iPad will serve you.
Depending on the iPad model you pick, you can use the first or the second-generation Apple Pencil. Both pencils serve the same functions, but the difference is in their design and charging mechanisms.
An Apple Pencil 1 will work with older iPads, while the Apple Pencil 2 will work with newer iPads. The second-generation iPad is also sleeker, compact, and smaller than the first generation.
It lacks a lightning port hence to charge it, you will stick it to the right side of your iPad Pro, and the magnets will hold it in position during charging. On the other hand, the Apple Pencil 1 features a lightning port and an adapter for charging.
Since iPads are the only compatible devices with the Apple Pencil, you can purchase any brand. However, you should note that the first-generation Apple Pencil will not be usable in iPad models designed for the second generation. These include the iPad Mini 6 and later versions. Equally, your second-generation Apple Pencil will not work with the older iPad models.
Does Apple Pencil Work with iPhone 12?
The best stylus for your Apple device is not one that just aids you in art and note-taking but also gives the best experience. You do not want to struggle navigating apps or experience lag issues. An Apple Pencil is popular for its high-tech features, which give the best user experience navigating their devices. The next sections will help you know whether the Apple Pencil is compatible with your iPhone 12.
Unfortunately, despite being an Apple product, the Apple Pencil will not work with your iPhone 12. Apple optimized this stylus for its iPad screens, and it works well for drawing, sketching, and jotting notes. With an Apple Pencil, you can navigate your iPad with an experience mimicking a real pencil and paper. What’s more, this pencil’s battery lasts up to 12 hours, hence convenient while away from home.
As stated earlier, since its release, there have been two Apple Pencil generations, with the second release in 2018. The second-generation Apple Pencil actually works well with modern iPads, including the iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Hence, you require the first-generation Apple Pencil if you have an older iPad. With this in mind, you would expect your iPhone 12 to work with the second-generation Apple Pencil, but this is impossible as making these devices compatible would mean re-engineering the iPhone 12 display.
Since you cannot use an Apple Pencil with your iPhone, consider a third-party stylus. When selecting third-party pens, consider their efficiency, weight, and strength. Ideally, these styluses should be lightweight and strong enough to annotate documents, make notes and create quick drawings and sketches. They should also hold their charge to ensure readiness throughout.
One of the basic stylus pens you can use with your iPhone 12 is the Adonit Jot Pro. This pen, made with lightweight aluminum and a copper twist cap, offers value for your money. It looks and feels like an actual pen, and its inbuilt clip enhances portability.
Also, the pen does not require batteries. If you want to draw sketches and jot notes, this is the ideal selection. However, consider a different brand if you want accurate design work or drawing.
The Adonit Mark is another alternative, given its affordability. Being a modern brand, this pen does not need batteries, and you can charge and use it for hours. However, this pen is basic and only useful for taking notes and clicking or pointing on your iPhone. If you want to do artwork or draw, upgrading to a better stylus will be ideal.
Does Apple Pencil Work with iPhone 13?
iPhone 13 is another Apple release with a screen size ranging from 5.4 to 6.7 inches. Navigating the bigger screen with an Apple Pencil can be a good idea, and I will help you know whether this is possible.
The Apple Pencil does not work with iPhone 13. This is given the display incompatibilities between the iPhone and iPad. In their make, Apple incorporates unique designs for each such that you cannot use the Apple Pencil on your iPhone. Hence, both the first and second-generation Apple Pencils will not work on your iPhone 13 series.
Despite complaints from users on this matter, Apple does not seem to have plans to introduce an Apple Pencil for iPhones. This fact is a bummer to its users, with new iPhone releases featuring bigger displays over time. The increment in the screen size is why users feel Apple should introduce a stylus for iPhones.
Some iPhones have display sizes close to some iPads. For instance, the iPad mini 6th generation has an 18.3-inch display, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the largest iPhone, has 6.7 inches.
You can tell that an iPhone could work well with an Apple Pencil with such a comparison. The question remains, is there a future for the Apple Pencil in iPhones? To answer this question, you should start by understanding Apple’s line of thought on the stylus with iPads.
With iPads, MacBooks, and iPhones on Apple’s products, it’s safe to assume that in Apple’s mind, if you want a touchscreen MacBook, then an iPad should be your ideal purchase. Hence, you can adopt the same thinking to interpret that buying an iPad first is ideal if you want to use the Apple Pencil.
Apple’s lack of flexibility in developing a stylus for iPhones can also be explained by its conservatism in developing products. By observation, Apple develops its products with specific users in mind and will not make major adjustments to these products over time. Hence, if your idea of Apple’s products does not match Apple’s design, you might have to consider other brands.
Does Apple Pencil Work with iPhone XR?
The iPhone XR features excellent performance and a display of 6.1 inches. With such a big display, you can take notes, draw sketches, or do artwork. Artwork is more feasible with a stylus and knowing whether your Apple Pencil will work with iPhone XR is necessary.
Apple Pencil will not work with iPhone XR. iPads and iPhones have different displays, and an iPhone will require re-engineering to support the Apple Pencil. The statistics of users requiring the Apple Pencil for iPhone are not convincing enough for Apple to remake the iPhone to accommodate the stylus. Perhaps this is why Apple is not promising anything yet.
With compatibility being an issue between iPhones and iPads, developing an iPhone Apple Pencil means a reconstruction of the iPhone. A reconstruction features cost implications and might not be worth the cost depending on how many users will be willing to use their iPhones with the stylus.
Most users are accustomed to using their iPhones with their fingers and are proficient in typing on their phone keyboards. Hence, while most people claim to want them, these pens might serve those interested in drawing and artwork more than regular users.
Perhaps this is why Apple is reluctant to introduce one soon. In addition, Apple is conservative in constructing its products to prevent major changes in the future. By observation, you can tell that Apple has certain groups of people in mind who influence their product development.
All is not lost if you want to use a stylus with your iPhone XR. Third-party accessory makers fill the gap left by Apple by developing styluses for iPhones. With proper research, you can find a quality, affordable pencil that will not damage your iPhone screen. Some quality iPhone Pencils include the FiftyThree Digital Stylus, Adonit Pixel, and the Moko Universal Active Stylus Pen.
The FiftyThree Digital Stylus features a flat make that prevents it from rolling. This pen is made of wood and hence mimics a traditional drawing tool. You can use it with iPhone 4 and later versions.
The Adonit Pixel includes a pair of programmable buttons and is also compatible with iPhone 4 and later versions. The Moko Universal Active pen will be ideal if you are on the move, given the carrying clip that prevents it from rolling away.
This pen also features a two-in-one tip with a wide rubber tip and a narrow metal tip for accurate drawing. Unlike Adonit and FiftyThree Digital pens, the Moko Universal Active pen is compatible with iPhone 6 and later versions.
While third-party styluses work with iPhones, an Apple Pencil stands out for its high-tech hardware configurations. This pencil features STMicroelectronics with ultra-low power running at 32 MHz Its flash memory stands at 64KB.
You can also recharge your Apple Pencil lithium battery. The Apple Pencil works on a pressure and antenna angle sensor near the tip. The tip is replaceable, and you can buy it from any Apple Store in packs of four.
Summary
Apple launched its Apple Pencils in 2015 and 2018, to assist users in navigating their iPad screens with ease. With these Pencils, you can do artwork, take notes and draw sketches on your iPad.
Unfortunately, despite being an Apple product, you cannot use your Apple Pencil on iPhone. This is because iPads and iPhones have display incompatibilities. For an Apple Pencil to work on your iPhone, Apple will have to re-engineer the iPhone display. Also, fewer people will likely adapt the Apple Pencil to operate their iPhones, so Apple does not find it convincing to alter their iPad models.
With the above said, if you want to use a stylus on your iPhone, consider third-party pens such as Adonit and Moko Universal Active. However, you should be careful with third-party pens as they can cause glitches and technical issues.
