Recommended Free Tools
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Free scan · under a minute
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Free scan · no reinstall
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Apple Pencil Pro is more than a pressure-sensitive stylus. Its most useful features are tucked into Settings > Apple Pencil, supported apps, and Find My. Customize the squeeze gesture, use barrel roll for directional brushes, preview marks with hover, enable haptic confirmation, and add the Pencil to Find My before it disappears.
Apple Pencil Pro requires iPadOS 17.5 or later and works with iPad Pro models with M4 or M5, iPad Air models with M2, M3, or M4, and iPad mini with A17 Pro. Older compatible iPads may require a different Apple Pencil. Apple’s US store listed Apple Pencil Pro at $129 on August 16, 2026; prices vary by region and can change.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Check Apple’s compatibility chart before buying or troubleshooting.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY APPLE PENCIL PRO — Apple Pencil Pro is loaded with intuitive features for ultimate creative control. Gestures and haptics allow you to seamlessly create without missing a beat. And Apple Pencil Pro features pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Attaches magnetically for wireless pairing and charging.
- COMPATIBILITY — Apple Pencil Pro works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M5 and M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M5 and M4), iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4), and iPad mini (A17 Pro).
- ADVANCED TOOLS — Apple Pencil Pro gives you ultimate creative control. Use gestures like squeeze and barrel roll to access tools, change brushes, and create strokes without missing a beat. Haptics allow you to feel shapes snap into place, and more. Use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro (M5 and M4) and iPad Air (M3 and M2) to preview your mark before you make it. And now you can use Find My to locate your Apple Pencil Pro.
- EASY AND NATURAL — Apple Pencil Pro does it all with pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Featuring a flat edge, Apple Pencil Pro allows you to change tools with just the tap of a finger. Apple Pencil Pro attaches, charges, and pairs magnetically.
- TRANSFORMS IPAD INTO A CANVAS — Draw, sketch, color, take notes, and mark up documents. Use built-in apps like Notes and Freeform, or choose from over a million more apps available on the App Store. And for pros, use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro and iPad Air (M2) to preview your mark before you make it.
1. Customize the squeeze gesture
Squeezing Apple Pencil Pro’s barrel can perform an action without reaching for an onscreen button. Depending on the available settings and app, it can show the tool palette, undo, switch tools, or launch a Shortcut.
To configure it, open Settings > Apple Pencil > Squeeze. Choose a built-in action, or select Shortcut and pick an existing shortcut. Useful assignments include creating a new note, starting a timer, enabling a Focus mode, opening a drawing app, running a translation shortcut, or inserting a frequently used text snippet.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apple Pencil, then Squeeze.
- Select an action or tap Shortcut.
- Choose the shortcut you want to run.
- Squeeze the Pencil while it is near the screen, with the display on.
Choose a reversible action. Avoid assigning squeeze to deletion or another destructive command: the gesture can be triggered accidentally, and the result may not be immediately visible. Apple’s design guidance recommends discrete, nondestructive Pencil actions.
If squeeze does nothing, confirm that the Pencil is paired, charged, and connected to a compatible iPad. If a shortcut fails, run it directly from the Shortcuts app first. A missing Squeeze menu usually indicates an unsupported iPad, an unpaired Pencil, or software that needs updating.
Rank #2
- WHY APPLE PENCIL - With pixel-perfect precision, tilt sensitivity, and low latency, Apple Pencil (USB-C) makes note-taking, signing documents, and drawing easy at an affordable price. It pairs and charges via USB-C and can magnetically attach to your iPad.
- COMPATIBILITY - Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4); iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and M3); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad mini (6th generation); and iPad (10th generation).
- EASY AND NATURAL - Write, sketch, and draw with pixel-perfect precision. Apple Pencil (USB-C) does it all with low latency and tilt sensitivity. Apple Pencil pairs and charges via USB-C and features a flat edge that attaches magnetically.
- TRANSFORMS IPAD INTO A CANVAS - Draw, sketch, color, take notes, and mark up documents. Use built-in apps like Notes and Freeform, or choose from over a million more apps available on the App Store. And for pros, use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro and iPad Air to preview your mark before you make it.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Learn about Apple Pencil shortcuts and Apple’s Pencil gesture guidance.
2. Rotate shaped brushes with barrel roll
Apple Pencil Pro contains a gyroscope that detects rotation around its barrel. In supported tools, rotating the Pencil changes the orientation of the mark as you draw.
This is especially useful with fountain pens, highlighters, calligraphic brushes, stamps, patterns, and other directional or shaped tools. It does not rotate the canvas, navigate the interface, or generally change a standard round brush in an obvious way.
- Open Notes, Freeform, or Markup.
- Select a fountain pen or highlighter.
- Hold the Pencil just above the display and rotate it.
- Watch the onscreen preview change angle.
- Touch down and continue rotating while drawing.
Apple specifically documents barrel roll with tools such as fountain pens and highlighters in Notes, Freeform, and Markup. Third-party support depends on the app and its version. Barrel roll primarily changes orientation or angle—not automatically the brush’s size, opacity, or color.
Rank #3
- Compatible with 11 & 13" M4 iPad Pro
- Compatible with 11 & 13" M2 iPad Air Intuitive Touch Controls Supports Squeeze & Barrel Roll
- Integrated Haptic Feedback Apple Pencil Hover
- Double Tap Controls Charge and Pair with Magnetic Flat Edge
- Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity Find My App Compatible iPadOS 17.5 or later
See Apple’s guide to drawing with Apple Pencil.
3. Preview marks before touching the screen with hover
Hover lets you position Apple Pencil Pro above the display and preview what will happen before committing a stroke. On supported models, Apple says the Pencil can hover up to 12 millimeters above the screen.
Depending on the tool and app, hover can show the stroke location, a tool shadow, highlighter color, line thickness, opacity, pixel-eraser size, object-eraser effects, and barrel-roll orientation. It is particularly valuable for large brushes, low-opacity marks, precise erasing, stamps, and annotations near existing lines.
Control it at Settings > Apple Pencil > Hover.
Hover support is model-specific. Apple lists it for iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) and 12.9-inch (6th generation) with Apple Pencil (2nd generation), and for iPad mini with A17 Pro, iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch with M2, M3, or M4, and iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch with M4 or M5 when used with Apple Pencil Pro. Not every third-party app exposes every preview.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIf hover is missing, check the setting and confirm the exact iPad model. A case or cover that interferes with magnetic attachment can also create pairing problems.
Rank #4
- 【Make Sure Your iPad Model is Compatible】: Metapen Pencil A8 is ONLY compatible with the iPad models 2018-2026: iPad 11/10/9/8/7/6 Gen, iPad Pro 13-inch M4, iPad Pro 11-inch 1/2/3/4/M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/M2/M3, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3/4/5/6 Gen, iPad Mini 5/6 Gen. NOTE: The Pencil A8 is NOT compatible with iPads before 2018, iPhone, Android or Microsoft devices. Please check your iPad model before ordering
- 【0.1 mm Pixel Precise Without Delay】: The upgraded smart chip delivers pixel-level accuracy of 0.1 mm with high responsiveness, no breakpoints, and no delays. You can enjoy writing small words and drawing fine lines with ease, just like using a real pencil! NOTE: The iPad stylus does not support pressure sensitivity
- 【2X Faster Charge】: Metapen Pencil A8 fully charges in just 30 minutes via USB-C and lasts up to 10 hours. 1-min charge = 50-min use; 4-min charge = 2-hour use. The LED indicator displays different colors based on battery level, reminding you to recharge in time. It automatically shuts down after 5 minutes of inactivity for better energy efficiency
- 【Palm Rejection】: Our iPad stylus supports Palm Rejection, so no need for a glove. You can rest your palm or fingers on the screen during sketching, drawing, or writing
- 【More Durable Tips】: Made of high-quality polymer, the Metapen's tips pass a 20 km durability test—2X more durable than original iPencil tips. Their internal structure remains intact even after 3,000 impacts. Each Metapen A8 pen comes with one extra replaceable tips , saving costs for frequent users
4. Use haptics as gesture confirmation
Apple Pencil Pro’s haptic engine provides a light pulse for actions such as squeezing and double-tapping. That confirmation is useful when the Pencil is above the display, the tool palette is hidden, or you want to keep your eyes on the artwork rather than the toolbar.
Turn it on or off at Settings > Apple Pencil > Haptics. Haptics do not guarantee feedback for every action in every app, but they can make supported gestures feel much more reliable.
For an additional shortcut, configure Settings > Apple Pencil > Double Tap. Switching to the previous tool—or using double-tap to switch between a pen and eraser—can be faster than opening the palette. Double-tap is not exclusive to Apple Pencil Pro; Apple Pencil (2nd generation) also supports it in supported configurations.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If there is no tactile response, verify that Haptics is enabled, charge and reconnect the Pencil, and update iPadOS. If necessary, go to Settings > Bluetooth, forget Apple Pencil, attach it to the iPad again, and wait for the pairing prompt. Avoid assigning squeeze or double-tap to irreversible actions.
Best Value
- 【Compatible with 2018-2026 iPad & iPad Pro】The stylus supports for iPad series 2018-2026 model: iPad Pro 13" (M4), iPad Pro 12.9"(3rd/4th/5th/6th), iPad Pro 11"(All Generations), iPad Air M4/M3/M2/5th/4th/3rd Gen, iPad 11th/10th/9th/8th/7th/6th, iPad Mini 7th/6th/5th Gen. Please confirm your devices before you place an order, another model is invalid
- 【Not compatible with models before 2018】The stylus doesn't support iPad pro 1st&2nd, iPad pro 10.5", iPad pro 9.7", iPad 1 to 5 Gen, iPad mini 1 to 4 Gen, iPad Air 1st/2nd Gen versions of iPad. Not Compatible With iPhone, Android, Microsoft devices.iPad 10gen cannt use magnetic attraction.
- 【Precise and Smooth】1.5mm pen tip can replace your finger to execute finer instructions, it easy to install and tear off the tips on your stylus pen without any tool. No lag/offset/breaking point！Compared with the ordinary stylus pen, it has higher sensitivity, more accurate signal, more comfortable hand. Not easy to break!【 Note 】The stylus pen no pressure-sensitive design.
- 【Palm Rejection Design】Stylus pen with palm rejection technology, rest your hand naturally on the screen while writing or drawing, effortless interaction with your screen, gives you more accuracy and control against the screen. We commend you to use this pen on the iPad with a glass screen protector.
- 【Touch Switch & Fast Charging】Activate this stylus pen with a simple touch of the cap button. A quick 5-15 minute charge provides 15 hours of work time. Please note: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad for normal use, no pairing required.
Follow Apple’s Pencil pairing troubleshooting steps.
5. Add Apple Pencil Pro to Find My
Because Apple Pencil Pro is small and easy to leave in a classroom, studio, office, or café, Find My may be its most practical overlooked feature. Set it up while the Pencil is still attached to your iPad.
- Open Find My on the iPad.
- Tap Devices.
- Attach Apple Pencil Pro to the iPad.
- Tap the Add button.
- Tap Apple Pencil and follow the onscreen instructions.
To look for it later, open Find My on an iPhone or iPad, tap Devices, select Apple Pencil Pro, and follow the prompts. On iPad, the indicator changes as you move from far away to near and then within reach.
Apple says Apple Pencil Pro can be added to only one Apple Account at a time. If you unpair and pair it again, add it to Find My again. Find My support is not identical to AirTag support: Apple’s current feature table lists location viewing, Find Nearby on iPad, and Find My Lock, with availability varying by country or region.
Set up Apple Pencil Pro in Find My and learn how to locate it.
Bonus: Configure double-tap
Double-tap the Pencil’s side to switch tools, return to the previous tool, show the color palette, or perform another supported action. Find it at Settings > Apple Pencil > Double Tap. It is most useful for pen-and-eraser switching and quick markup, but it can also trigger accidentally, so prefer actions that are easy to undo.
Which features should you configure first?
- Artists: Start with Hover and barrel roll, then assign squeeze to the tool palette.
- Students and note-takers: Use squeeze for undo or a Shortcut and double-tap for pen/eraser switching.
- Office and document users: Prioritize squeeze, Find My, and hover for markup.
- Everyone: Add Apple Pencil Pro to Find My before you misplace it.
- Accessibility-focused workflows: Try haptics and a Shortcut-based squeeze action for tactile or low-distraction feedback.
These features are not equally useful for every owner. If you mainly write or occasionally sign PDFs, squeeze, double-tap, and Find My may matter more than barrel roll. If you draw, hover and barrel roll are the capabilities most likely to change how you work.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
