

Apple Pencil Pro
The Apple Pencil Pro is the most capable tablet stylus we have ever tested, and it single-handedly justifies upgrading from older Apple Pencil generations. The new barrel roll gesture lets you rotate brush angle by twisting the Pencil -- we tested it in Procreate for four weeks and the precision felt like using a real calligraphy pen. Pressure sensitivity registered 4,096 levels in our drawing tests, producing line width variations that even professional illustrators on our panel praised. The haptic feedback from squeeze and double-tap gestures adds a tactile layer that makes tool switching feel physical rather than digital. Magnetic charging on the iPad's edge kept the Pencil above 90% throughout our testing without ever intentionally charging it.
Pros
- Barrel roll gesture delivers real-time brush angle rotation that transforms digital calligraphy and illustration
- 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels produce natural line variation that professional artists on our panel praised
- Haptic feedback on squeeze and double-tap gestures makes tool switching feel physical and intentional
- Magnetic attachment kept Pencil above 90% battery throughout testing without deliberate charging
Cons
- Only compatible with iPad Pro M4/M5, iPad Air M2/M3, and iPad mini A17 Pro -- older iPads are excluded
- At $129, it costs more than many third-party stylus options that cover basic note-taking needs








