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Apple Pencil 2 Rumored to Feature Gesture Support, New Charging Method and Minimalistic Design

Monday October 29, 2018 9:42 am PDT by Juli Clover
The second-generation Apple Pencil that Apple is rumored to be working on will feature support for gestures, a new design, and a new charging method, according to leaker Benjamin Geskin.

Geskin, who sometimes provides accurate information on Apple's plans sourced from Chinese social networks, says the upcoming Apple Pencil will feature a design that's "more minimalistic" with no silver band at the top.


It will attach magnetically to the side of the new iPad Pro models, and it is said to feature a new charging method, though there are no details on what that charging method might be. It's possible the accessory will charge wirelessly when docked to the iPad Pro, with Apple eliminating the Lightning port.

Previous Apple Pencil 2 rumors have suggested the accessory will also feature a new pairing method, connecting to an iPad Pro device wirelessly much like AirPods rather than through a physical connection, which would be in line with the rumors of a new charging method.

Geskin also says that the new Apple Pencil will support tap and swipe gestures, a rumor supported by code in iOS 12.1 shared by 9to5Mac's Guilherme Rambo over the weekend. The gestures are said to allow iPad Pro users to do things like change the size or color of a brush within a sketching app using the sides of the Apple Pencil.

We don't have long to wait for full details on the second-generation Apple Pencil and the new iPad Pro models. Apple's October 30 event takes place tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time or 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with Apple planning to live stream the event on its website and through the Events app on the Apple TV.

MacRumors will have live coverage of all of Apple's announcements, both here on the site and on our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Neutral), 12.9" iPad Pro (Neutral)
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AngerDanger
7 months ago

Geskin, who sometimes provides accurate information on Apple's plans sourced from Chinese social networks, says the upcoming Apple Pencil will feature a design that's "more minimalistic" with no silver band at the top.

Thank god! It's difficult to look at the current Apple Pencil without getting lost in its overcomplicated design!


It'll hardly be recognizable! :eek:

Rating: 63 Votes
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cmaier
7 months ago
Since the butt end is no longer a removable cap/charge point, I hope you can flip the pencil upside down and use that end as an eraser.
Rating: 22 Votes
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redheeler
7 months ago

It will attach magnetically to the side of the new iPad Pro models

Reminds me of the old white iMac, with the Apple Remote able to magnetically stick to the side. Nice to see Apple reusing some old ideas.



Rating: 18 Votes
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Icestorm815
7 months ago


Apple's October 30 event takes place tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time...


I think you mean 10 AM Eastern Time or 7 AM Pacific Time.
Rating: 11 Votes
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Yr Blues
7 months ago

I hope it comes in black.

It changes color depending on what you choose from the App palette. :p
Rating: 7 Votes
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TreyCox
7 months ago
I hope it comes in black.
Rating: 7 Votes
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jsalda
7 months ago
I'm more excited about this event than any others in the past year. And for some reason, it seems like there are more unknowns with this event than previous.
Rating: 7 Votes
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iapplelove
7 months ago
Oh man I can’t wait... it’s been years since I bought a new iPad.

I’m actually looking forward to this purchase.
Rating: 6 Votes
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SteveJobs2.0
7 months ago
This makes sense with the artwork for the upcoming October event heavily hinting at improved graphical design and drawing capabilities.
Rating: 6 Votes
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MLVC
7 months ago
Am I the only one wishing they'd make the pencil compatible with the (magic) trackpads?
Rating: 5 Votes

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