Beats Solo 4 review: A long overdue upgrade that goes just far enough
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsExcellent Apple & Android supportGreat battery lifeUSB-C and 3.5mm audio supportConsNo ANCDesign is datedNo on-ear detectionOur VerdictIt’s been too long since Beats updated its more affordable on-ear Solo headphones, and while there are lots of improvements in this version it feels like a missed opportunity to really push the category forward. A dated design and “just okay” sound make this a good buy on sale, but not at full price. Price When Reviewed$199 Best Prices Today: Beats Solo 4 Retailer Price Beats $199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Beats Solo 3 were released in late 2016, and 7.5 years is definitely too long to wait for a refresh of the “affordable” on-ear model of one of the world’s most popular headphone brands. As you would expect, a lot has changed. Gone is the ancient Apple W1 chip in favor of a proprietary technology platform that supports lots of modern features for both Apple and Android devices. Sound quality is improved and the battery lasts 25 percent longer. But they still look like Beats, and sound like Beats, and do very little to move the brand or category forward. There’s nothing wrong with the Solo 4 headphones—they’re good. But with such a long gap from the prior model, they only just meet expectations rather than surpass or redefine them. Same old Beats look and feel Beats headphones have a certain look. The vibrant plastic, lowercase “b” logo on each side, and the general shape of the earpieces. When you see someone wearing Beats, you know it. Having said that, the new Solo 4 look and feel just a little too familiar. Outside of the new Slate Blue and Cloud Pink colors, you’d be hard-pressed to recognize this model from the one designed almost 8 years ago, without taking a close look at the ports. As with most Beats headphones, the Solo 4 fold up for storage. As with most Beats headphones, the Solo 4 fold up for storage.Foundry As with most Beats headphones, the Solo 4 fold up for storage.Foundry Foundry I don’t expect Beats to abandon its design entirely, but it’s time for a refresh, and the thought that we might be stuck with this same look and feel for the next seven years makes me cringe. As with the Solo 3, I find the headphones don’t quite contract small enough for my small head, and just a couple of millimeters less headband on each side would be more comfortable. The earpads are soft enough but the spring tension makes the pressure a little uncomfortable after long listening periods when I wear my glasses. That’s a common problem with on-ear headphones and another reason why I prefer over-the-ear cans. Its nice that these come with a carry case, basic though it may be. Its nice that these come with a carry case, basic though it may be.Foundry Its nice that these come with a carry case, basic though it may be.Foundry Foundry As before, the Beats Solo 4 fold up to fit into a little carry bag. In fact, the bag is nearly identical to that of the Beats Studio Pro. I had to do a close side-by-side comparison to confirm that the Solo 4’s bag is just a tiny bit smaller. They come with a USB-C cable and 3.5mm audio cable, but no power adapter. New features Of course, we would expect the Solo 4 to have a big update to their feature set after almost 8 years, and they do. This is true for Apple users, who get personalized spatial audio with head tracking and hands-free “Hey Siri” support in addition to all the older stuff (one-touch pairing, iCloud pairing, and Find My support). The move away from Apple’s W1 chip to Beats’ much newer electronics now supports Google Fast Pair, cloud pairing with your Google account, Find My Device and multi-point pairing for seamless audio switching. Beats hasn’t changed the way you control the Solo 4, though. There’s a power button on the bottom of the right earpiece (no on-ear detection means you have to power them on and off by hand), and the left earpiece has a big button where the “b” logo is that is used for play/pause/forward/reverse and to trigger the voice assistant. Pressing above or below that button changes the volume. Gone is the annoying micro-USB plug in favor of USB-C. You’ll be glad to know it’s not just for charging, too. The Solo 4 supports USB-C audio output and input, and can even charge and play USB-C audio at the same time. Over USB-C or 3.5mm you can listen to lossless audio, even (not that the sound reproduction of these headphones is anywhere close to good enough to tell). USB-C and 3.5mm audio input are great options. USB-C and 3.5mm audio input are great options.Foundry USB-C and 3.5mm audio input are great options.Foundry Foundry All this and better battery life, too. Beats claims 50 hours of battery life, up 25% from the Solo 3. I certainly haven’t had long enough listening sessions to verify that, but modest drop in battery life over several days of testing makes me think it’s a reasonable claim. It’s just fantastic battery life, enough to take you through an entire weekend trip without plugging in. Of course, that’s partly because the Solo 4 offers no active noise cancellation, and ANC is what really stresses battery life in modern headphones and earbuds. Mid-tier sound for a mid-tier product That’s right, there’s no ANC, which is just barely on the cusp of acceptable for $200 wireless headphones these days. It’s a feature that is rapidly becoming expected on all but the cheapest earbuds and headphones, and the price of the Solo 4 is right about where you might start to expect it. Any more and they’d have to have ANC. Beats says they’ve done a lot to improve the acoustics, lowering distortion, tuning output, and improving voice call quality with better microphones. It’s definitely a step up from the Beats Solo 3, but it’s 2024 and we expect more. Beats Solo 4 are a good buy on sale, but not at full price. Beats Solo 4 are a good buy on sale, but not at full price.Foundry Beats Solo 4 are a good buy on sale, but not at full price.Foundry Foundry But the sound quality is what I would only consider good for this price range, not great. Nothing is way out of balance or anything like that, there’s just a general lack of crispness and punch to it all. To some degree that can be expected from on-ear headphones, which don’t have the larger diaphragms of over-the-ear models or the tight in-ear fit of earbuds. In a song like OK Go’s “This Too Shall Pass,” they just can’t keep up with the booming bass, which instead sounds a little mushy. The bright mids on Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Tin Pan Alley” are crisp and clean, but a “crank it all to 11” metal song like “Kickstart My Heart” starts to lose clarity in some of the instruments. Should you buy Beats Solo 4? None of these things are dealbreakers, not in a $200 pair of wireless headphones. But it’s not impressive, either. It’s just…fine. Good, even. But not great. That’s not very much fun to write about, but some things are just good, and the Beats Solo 4 fits the bill. At the $200 price, they’re only a good buy if you’re in love with your aging Solo 3 headphones and have been dying to update them. For everyone else, wait for a sale. The Beats Solo 4 are inoffensive at the list price, but a steal at $150 or less. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you’ll get a lot more out of the Beats Studio Pro. If you’re willing to wait, the Beats Solo 4 will be a great buy by Black Friday. Accessories, Headphones

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Microsoft iOS app store launches in July; website rather than app
We learned late last year that a Microsoft iOS app store was in the works, and the company has now announced that this will launch in July. Initially, it will be limited to Microsoft’s own games, but will later open up to other iPhone game developers, giving them an alternative outlet to Apple’s official App Store … more…

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Smartphone addiction is real, and we all probably need to do something about it
If you feel like you're being controlled by your smartphone, don't feel alone — smartphone addiction is a real thing. So, let's talk about it, and how to deal with it.How to dial back your screen timeWe've all done it — we've lost entire days to the siren call of social media or mobile gaming, or even just binge-watching our favorite TV shows. While it's not bad if it happens occasionally, there's a good chance it probably happens more than you'd care to admit.And unfortunately, that's pretty normal. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Apple’s iPad ad isn’t heartbreaking destruction, it’s just harmless fun
Macworld Even the biggest companies have been caught up in social-media backlashes, from Adobe’s “tone-deaf” software smile correction to Google’s “embarrassing and wrong” AI tool. But I didn’t think much of a potential controversy when I watched Apple’s ad for the new iPad Pro at its Let Loose event this week. Boy, was I wrong about that. The “Crush!” advert tries to get across the perennial Apple concept that the iPad Pro is such a capable and versatile creative tool that you can do almost anything with it. It does this in an amusingly literal way: By showing the physical embodiments of numerous creative activities–musical instruments, books, cameras, art supplies, sculptures, games machines, and characters–being physically crushed down by a hydraulic press until only the iPad is left. (This has the happy side-effect of also referencing the M4 Pro being preposterously flat.) It’s a cute bit of work: Sadly a number of members of the creative community did not find “Crush!” cute, and are in fact up in arms about it, having as is traditional “taken to Twitter” to vent their feelings. AppleInsider reported on the first wave of complaints, which included claims it is “extremely distasteful” and “lacks any respect for creative equipment and mocks the creators.” One especially delicate viewer described the ad as “heartbreaking, uncomfortable, and egotistic.” That’s just Twitter, you might protest. (To which I would of course reply, I think you mean X.) But serious people think this too. Mashable reckons the ad “essentially flips AI-weary creatives the bird”–goodness me, the word “essentially” is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that headline–and TechCrunch did an op-ed describing “Crush!” with an apparently straight face as “disgusting.” “Does your child like music? They don’t need a harp; throw it in the dump. An iPad is good enough,” writes TC’s Devin Coldewey, tangibly growing angrier as he types. “Do they like to paint? Here, Apple Pencil, just as good as pens, watercolors, oils! Books? Don’t make us laugh! Destroy them. Paper is worthless. Use another screen.” And if those aren’t big enough names, the bad guy from Paddington 2 is all in as well. Beloved actor Hugh Grant called the advert “The destruction of the human experience,” and I know actors are prone to extreme reactions but come on. The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley. https://t.co/273XB3CfnF— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) May 8, 2024 It was all enough for Apple to issue a rare apology, succinctly admitting that it had “missed the mark with this video, and we’re sorry.”  Take a deep breath First up, we can be pretty sure that Apple didn’t destroy any priceless Stradivarii for the advert: It hasn’t been officially announced but it looks a lot like a lot of it was done with CGI, and any bits that aren’t CGI will be cheaply produced props. This isn’t like that time Kurt Russell smashed a 145-year-old acoustic guitar on the set of a movie. Also, nobody is being mocked, except possibly people who look like that bulging-eye emoji. The ad is very obviously about claiming to empower creative people through technology. It would be insane to mock the product’s intended market. (If Apple did want to mock creatives it would have shown a bearded hipster being squashed in a machine while drinking an expensive coffee and claiming he liked hydraulic presses before they were cool.) More importantly, the symbolism of the advert is absolutely not that physical objects and analog creative pursuits have no value and should be replaced by an iPad. Apple is telling us the iPad Pro is a versatile and capable digital device that can do lots of things, likely alongside analog creative tools, and also by the way it’s really thin. It isn’t that complicated. Think about it. Does Apple feel like the sort of bleakly amoral disruptor startup that would happily throw the creative industries into an AI-powered shredder? Or does it feel like a nearly half-century-old corporation run by baby boomers with a thing for beautiful physical objects and an embarrassing obsession with pop groups? Musicians, filmmakers, photographers, designers… Apple loves to hold up the creative professions as its platonic customer and the template for a fulfilling career–and when it portrays those professions, it does so with Apple products integrated with exactly those physical objects that got chucked in the crushing machine. Look, Apple has plenty of faults, but those faults do not include wanting to mock, destroy, or mechanize the creative professions. It doesn’t want you to throw your harp in the dump. It just wants to sell some iPads. iPad

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Apple seeds macOS Sonoma 14.5 release candidate to the developer community
The next version of macOS Sonoma just hit release candidate status and a decently sized update is en route. Following release candidate versions of iOS, iPadOS, and other operating systems going public this week, Apple has sent its macOS Sonoma 14.5 release candidate out to its developer community for testing. The change list goes as […] Source

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For $149.99, you can get 5 years of this marketing AI tool
Macworld STORI AI is an all-in-one brand automation platform that streamlines your marketing workload. Save time quickly generating content, and save money by doing it all with a 5-year Essential Subscription for only $149.99 (reg. $1,200).  Simplify your marketing tasks with a suite of automated branding tools. STORI AI can suggest colors and logos, and even generate mission statements and values. You can even invite other team members through STORI to collaborate with you and the AI.  If you need to create visual content, use STORI to generate pictures, infographics, and more to complement the rest of your brand’s image. You can even integrate STORI with LinkedIn, FaceBook, and Instagram. This AI tool even lets you schedule social posts in advance and across multiple platforms simultaneously.  Simplify your marketing strategy with an AI that operates like a full marketing team.  Get a 5-Year Subscription to STORI AI for just $149.99.    STORI AI Essential Plan: 5-Year Subscription Only $149.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change.  Accessories

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Apple releases iTunes 12.13.2 for Windows, adds support for forthcoming iPad Pro, iPad Air models
It’s not the biggest iTunes update in the world, but it offers support for the forthcoming iPad Air and iPad Pro models on your Windows PC, and that’s helpful. Apple on Thursday released iTunes 12.13.2, its new update for its music software. The update follows a December release that added security fixes. iTunes has been […] Source

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$60 can get you lifetime access to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for your Windows PC
Macworld If you’re always focused on Microsoft’s latest news, you might be missing out on a big open secret. Microsoft 365 isn’t the only way to access its top-rated productivity tools. If you don’t need the cloud features or wouldn’t mind forgoing the recurring subscription fees, you should know that you can now get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for less than $60 This license is good for lifetime access on one Windows device. You’ll get immediate access to Microsoft’s popular apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Teams (free version only), Publisher, and Access. StackCommerce StackCommerce StackCommerce Whether you’re a remote or hybrid worker or simply want to have these tools ready for your personal needs, Microsoft Office 2021 provides tools for easy slide deck creation, streamlined budget organization, seamless virtual collaboration, and much more. To ensure smooth installation, you’ll need to check that your PC is operating on Windows 10 or 11. 1GB of available RAM is also recommended. Upon purchase, you’ll enjoy regular updates for your MS Office license. You can get a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $59.99. No coupon required!   Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License Only $59.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

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Apple Apologizes For Tone-Deaf Ad That Crushed Human Creativity To Make an iPad
Apple has apologized for its tone-deaf "Crush!" ad that sparked a furious backlash with artists, musicians and other creators. AdAge reports that Apple said the video "missed the mark" and has scrapped plans to run the cutesy-turned-cringey commercial on TV. From a report: It's clear that Apple intended for the ad to serve as a metaphor for all the myriad creative tools one has when they throw down $1,000 or more for a new iPad Pro. Run during Tuesday's event, the video shows a series of musical instruments and other tools for human expression, including a guitar, drums, trumpet, amplifiers, record player, TV and much more. "All I Ever Need Is You" by Sonny & Cher soundtracks the clip. Soon, it's revealed that the objects are all sitting on an industrial crusher, which descends upon the scattered creative instruments, exploding in plumes of satisfyingly colorful smoke. But when the crusher pulls back up, we see that everything was transformed into a shiny new iPad Pro. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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WhatsApp for iPhone’s design refresh gives it a modern look
WhatsApp is getting a fresh look on Android and iPhone, with new colors, updated iconography, and other design tweaks. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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How to copy text from locked PDFs in macOS
There are few things worse than trying to copy a string of text from a PDF, only to find that you can't highlight any text at all. Thankfully, bypassing a locked PDF is easy enough to do on Mac.Locked PDFs don't have to leave you manually typing a wall of text.If you've ever found yourself trying to highlight text in a PDF to no avail, then you have found yourself in possession of a locked PDF. A PDF can be locked for many legitimate reasons, such as copyright protection. However, sometimes you just need to copy a longer piece of text or many smaller pieces of text from a document that has no business being locked.Thankfully, the solution does not involve manually typing everything out. Even better, the solution is built straight into macOS and requires very little legwork. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Controversial new iPad Pro ‘Crush’ ad might have been inspired by a 2008 LG ad
During its “Let Loose” event on Tuesday, Apple introduced the . However, the product was unveiled with a rather intriguing and controversial ad, which shows things like musical instruments, camera lenses, and books being destroyed by a hydraulic press – which then turns it all into the new iPad. But a lot of people didn’t like the iPad Pro ad, and it turns out that Apple may have been inspired by a very old LG ad. more…

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WhatsApp officially rolling out update with refreshed design for iOS and Android
WhatsApp on Thursday announced that it is officially releasing an update that introduces a refreshed design for both iOS and Android apps. Users will notice a new color palette and other changes that make the experience of using WhatsApp on both platforms more seamless. more…

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M4 iPad Pro lacks always-on display despite OLED panel with variable refresh rate
One of the biggest highlights of the is the OLED display for the first time on an iPad. Although the technology has been around for a while in the iPhone and Apple Watch, previous iPads were all equipped with LCD (or mini-LED) displays. However, despite having an OLED panel with a variable refresh rate, the M4 iPad Pro still lacks an always-on display like the latest iPhones. more…

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An easy way to read and edit PDFs on Mac
Macworld Whatever happened to the paperless office? Of all technology’s promised benefits, the paperless office has proved to be one of the most elusive. By now we were supposed to have converted to completely digital workflows, consuming fewer environmental resources and reducing waste, easing collaboration with remote colleagues, and minimizing the weight of documents we have to send to work contacts or carry around with us. Look around the next time you’re at work or in your home office and you will probably concede that the paperless office hasn’t fully materialized. Despite the advantages of going digital, workers are reluctant to leave paper behind completely. Why is this? Digital documents can be more eye-straining to read, harder to properly organize, and painful to sign; depending on the format (which is another headache!), they can also be difficult to edit, and the ease with which they can be shared over email raises concerns over security. Fortunately, these problems are straightforward to solve. Kit yourself out with a high-quality PDF reader software package and the difficulties vanish, leaving all the benefits of a paperless office with none of the downsides. KDAN KDAN KDAN How the right PDF reader can enhance productivity KDAN PDF Reader is an affordable option that will deliver all the benefits we’re looking for. It’s a versatile PDF reader that lets you view, edit, convert, and sign PDF documents on a range of platforms, but for Mac users it’s the perfect choice at the perfect price. In the best Mac tradition, the software is intuitive and user-friendly, making it a cinch to get things done. There are three main function categories: editing, managing/sharing, and viewing. KDAN PDF Reader’s edit capabilities make filling forms a breeze, including tax declarations and other official forms, and you can add an electronic signature when you’re done. You can edit the text on PDFs, including size and font. On the management/sharing side, digital documents can easily be split and merged, while you can protect their security by adding a watermark or password protection. This means you can share files in the confidence that the information they contain won’t fall into the wrong hands. Just as importantly, the software is easy on the eyes, delivering a comfortable viewing experience, It’s compatible across devices, and formats needn’t be a headache, either. KDAN PDF Reader can convert PDF documents into Microsoft Office, Text, HTML, RTF, ePUB or MOBI format, while preserving tables and other formatting exactly as you want it. Most excitingly, KDAN PDF Reader will soon enhance AI functionality by integrating KDAN AI, placing it among the leading solutions on the market. A powerful Auto Redact feature will detect and automatically redact personal and sensitive information, preventing this from being abused and enhancing your document security. These AI features are expected to come to Mac some time between May and June 2024. KDAN KDAN KDAN KDAN PDF Reader offers flexible solutions. Users can choose the most suitable and cost-effective option according to personal, educational, or business needs. The potential savings are significant: you’ll slash your costs by 65%, for example, if you switch from Adobe Acrobat. Best of all, there’s a free trial so you can see for yourself if this is the right choice for you. Visit the company’s website to about KDAN PDF Reader. You can also download the software from Apple’s Mac App Store. You won’t regret it. Professional Software

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Find the right color every time with this tiny sensor for iPhone
The Nix Mini 2 color-matching tool gives artists, designers and remodelers a quick way to match colors exactly (plus a paint-matching app). (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple apologizes for iPad Pro ‘Crush!’ ad and scraps TV plans
Macworld During Apple’s “Let Loose” iPad event on Tuesday, the company unveiled a new ad for the iPad Pro, as it often does during these events. The ad, named “Crush!,” depicts a massive hydraulic press filled with creative implements: multiple musical instruments, paints, TVs, and old arcade game, music mixing equipment, and more. Accompanied by “All I Ever Need is You” by Sonny & Cher, the press crushes all these artistic and entertainment implements, then pulls up to reveal the iPad Pro. The ad premiered on social media, and is still up on YouTube, which you can watch here: It was meant to invoke the idea that all this creative and entertainment stuff now fits into a super-thin iPad Pro, but it was some received it very differently. Seeing all the tools of creative professionals literally destroyed and replaced by a gadget struck the wrong chord with Apple’s indispensable market of creatives. Several editorials were quickly penned to point out the ad’s tone-deaf nature at a time when Apple’s most prized users–creatives professionals–are feeling increasingly replaced by technology. Social media posts from pundits and celebrities alike lambasted it. Why did @Apple do an ad that crushes the arts? Tech and #AI means to destroy the arts and society in general. This is not making things better. This is just making some people insanely wealthy, at the expense of all of us. “The love of money is the root of all evil” 1Tim 6:10. pic.twitter.com/PnEYO4H7FB— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) May 9, 2024 The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley. https://t.co/273XB3CfnF— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) May 8, 2024 If you thought THIS IPad ad was weird, you should have seen the first cut where they lined up all your favorite characters and shot them. https://t.co/H21zIQ0VXI— ʟᴜᴋᴇ ʙᴀʀɴᴇᴛᴛ 👨🏻‍🍼 (@LukeBarnett) May 8, 2024 Apple has now apologized for the ad, and scrapped plans to it on TV and other paid spots. In a statement to Ad Age, Apple’s VP of marketing communications, Tor Myhren, said: “Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it’s incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world. Our goal is to always celebrate the myriad of ways users express themselves and bring their ideas to life through iPad. We missed the mark with this video, and we’re sorry.”  Apple VP Tor Myhren (via Ad Age) The ad is still available on Tim Cook’s X account and on Apple’s YouTube page, so the company may not try to put the genie back in the bottle with this one, but rather limit its further spread by canceling further marketing plans to use the ad. iPad

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New Sonos app breaks accessibility for visually impaired users, here’s what this advocate recommends
The new Sonos app launched today and was met with swift and intense backlash for removing many features and capabilities that long-standing customers value. While the company made an official statement on the matter, it hasn’t appeared to address a concerning issue – the update has broken accessibility for visually impaired users. more…

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Peak Tim Cook: Apple ridiculously apologizes over iPad Pro ‘Crush’ ad
Ridiculously, Apple is apologizing for its wildly talked about ad promoting its latest iPad Pro after blowback on social media platforms… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple Pencils compared: Which stylus is right for your iPad?
Macworld In May 2024, Apple unveiled the latest generation of its Pencil stylus for iPad—Apple Pencil Pro. It’s essentially a replacement for the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, made to support only the newest iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4) models, and with similar design but several new features. That means Apple now has four products all named “Apple Pencil,” but two of them are essentially only for products no longer sold as new, but rather only for legacy models. Which Apple Pencil: Specs Before we look at the differences between the three Apple Pencil models, here’s a brief breakdown of their technical specifications: Apple Pencil (1st Gen)Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)Apple Pencil (USB-C)Apple Pencil ProPrice$99/£109/€119$129/£139/€149$79/£79/€95$129/£139/€149Low LatencyYesYesYesYesTilt SensitivityYesYesYesYesPressure SensitivityYesYesNoYesAttaches Magnetically to iPadNoYesYesYesCharging and PairingLightningWirelessUSB-CWirelessHover on iPad Pro or iPad AirNoYesYesYesDouble-tap featureNoYesYesYesRoll to change orientationNoNoNoYesSqueeze gestureNoNoNoYesHaptic FeedbackNoNoNoYesFind My supportNoNoNoYesDimensions (Length x Diameter)176mm x 8.9mm166mm x 8.9mm155mm x 7.4mm166mm x 8.9mm Which Apple Pencil: Price The prices for each Apple Pencil vary by features and compatibility. The most expensive option is the second-gen Apple Pencil and the cheapest is the newest Apple Pencil with USB-C. For some excellent alternatives, you can also check out our roundup of the best Pencil or stylus for iPad.   Apple Pencil (1st generation) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $99 Best Prices Today: $17.99 at Best Buy | $99 at Adorama | $99 at Apple The first Apple Pencil was launched in September 2015. Apple sells it for $99/£109/€119. It works with the current 9th and 10th generation iPads as well as a number of older iPad models. To charge you plug it into your iPad’s Lightning port, so you can’t use it when charging. It is pressure-sensitive, which is good if you are an artist. We suspect that Apple will soon remove this Pencil from the lineup now the USB-C model is here. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $17.99 at Best Buy | $129 at Apple | $129.99 at Adorama This is the best Apple Pencil for those that do not have the very latest iPad Air or Pro. It launched in 2018 and Apple sells it for $129/£139/€149. It works with recent iPad Air, mini, and Pro, but not the standard iPad or the M2 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro. This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly. Apple Pencil (USB-C) Price When Reviewed: $79 Best Prices Today: $66.95 at B&H | $69 at Amazon | $69.99 at Adorama This Apple Pencil launched in 2023 to support iPads with USB-C charging ports instead of the older Lightning port. It lacks many of the features of the 2nd generation model, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking newer means better. This is essentially a Pencil with a USB-C port. It lacks pressure sensitivity, which even the 1st gen model has. It doesn’t work with the 9th gen iPad or the earliest iPad Pros. More on compatibility below. Apple Pencil Pro Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $129 at Apple This is the best Apple Pencil, as long as you have a compatible iPad. Apple sells it for $129/£139/€149. It works with the most recent iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4). This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly, and has all of the features of 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and several more, like haptic feedback, Find My support, and support for rolling and squeeze gestures. Which Apple Pencil: Design There’s not exactly a lot of room for flamboyant designs or new aesthetics when it comes to something as form-dependent as a stylus. But, the engineers at Apple have been busy, incorporating a few elements that make the Pencils recognizable from each other.  In all cases, you’re looking at a white plastic, cylindrical casing with no buttons or markings except for the Apple Pencil name. The 1st-Gen Pencil is the only one that is completely round (and has a glossy finish), as the Pro, 2nd-Gen, and USB-C versions have a flattened side so that they can be attached magnetically to the edge of a compatible iPad. Foundry Foundry Foundry Apple has constantly been refining the balance and handling of its Pencil range, as you can see from the fact that with each generation the length of the stylus has slowly been shortened. Here’s how they measure up: Apple Pencil (1st Gen): 6.92in/176mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): 6.53in/166mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil (USB-C): 6.10in/155mm (Length); 0.29in/7.4mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil Pro: 6.53in/166mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Both the 1st-Gen and USB-C Pencils have a lid at the top end that can be taken off to charge the device. On the 1st-Gen, removing the cap reveals a Lightning connector, while the USB-C slides up to reveal a USB-C port. The 2nd-Gen and Pro models charge wirelessly and don’t have a port or connector. At the business end of the Pencil, you’ll find the replaceable rubber tips that make the Apple Pencil such a comfortable experience. Some of the models have more functionality built into their slender frames, which we’ll cover in the next section.  Which Apple Pencil: Features While all of the Pencil models will allow you to write notes and sketch on your iPad, they do offer different capabilities depending on the model you choose. The 1st-Gen Pencil delivers a precise writing experience, with low latency and pressure sensitivity to allow thinner and wider pen/brush strokes, plus the ability to sense when you are tilting the stylus for shading and similar techniques.  Pairing and charging are done via the Lightning port, as there is no wireless charging in this model, plus you can’t magnetically attach it to an iPad. You also don’t get the hover feature on iPad Pro models, which enables you to preview where your mark will be made without having to touch the screen. You will also have to make do without the double-tap action to switch between the various pens, brushes, and other tools.  Apple Apple Apple The Gen 2 Pencil offers all of the features included in its predecessor, except for the Lightning port charging and pairing, which is instead achieved wirelessly. It introduces the double-tap feature through a touch-sensitive area near the tip, plus there’s the option to have it engraved with a personal message.  The Apple Pencil USB-C attaches via a USB-C-to-USB-C cable from your iPad’s charging port to the Pencil. You can magnetically attach it to an iPad for safe-keeping, but it doesn’t charge. It has nearly all the same features as the 1st-Gen Pencil, albeit strangely without pressure sensitivity, which does seem like a step backward. As a minor compensation, you do get the 2nd-Gen’s hover feature if you own an iPad Pro.  The latest is the Apple Pencil Pro, which only supports the iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4), and presumably future iPad Air and Pro models. It has all the features of the 2nd-Gen model with the addition of roll and squeeze sensitivity, haptic feedback, and Find My support. Which Apple Pencil: Compatibility Every Pencil supports different iPads, so you’ll need to check which model you have before you buy one of the three stylus models Apple offers: Apple Pencil (Gen 1) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd Gen) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Air (3rd Gen) iPad mini (5th Gen) iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Gen) Apple Pencil (Gen 2) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Gen) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Gen) iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen) iPad mini (6th Gen) Apple Pencil (USB-C) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Gen) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Gen) iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen) iPad mini (6th Gen) iPad (10th Gen) Apple Pencil Pro iPad Pro (M4) iPad Air (M2) Which Apple Pencil: Verdict Some of the main considerations when considering an Apple Pencil are how you want to use it and which iPad you have. If you’re interested in creating art or more decorative writing, then you’ll no doubt find the pressure sensitivity of the Gen 1, Gen 2, and Pro models an essential feature. Then you’ll just need to select the one that is compatible with your device. The Gen 2 Pencil does have the additional benefits of wireless charging, plus the double-tap and hover capabilities, although the latter only works on iPad Pro. If you have a newer iPad with a USB-C connector and just want to take down notes, then the USB-C model could serve those purposes admirably, with the added advantage of being the most affordable model available from Apple. If you buy a brand-new iPad Air with M2 or iPad Pro with M4, you can choose between the USB-C model with its very basic functionality or Apple Pencil Pro, which has by far the most features of any Apple Pencil. The edge case is if you have an iPad mini or 10th-gen iPad but really need pressure sensitivity. While you would normally choose the USB-C Pencil for those models, the only compatible Pencil with pressure sensitivity is the first-gen Apple Pencil, which comes with a little USB-C to Lightning charging adapter you’ll have to use to charge it. Accessories

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