Apple Pencil (2015)

The first Apple Pencil added pressure and tilt to drawing on iPad Pro, using Lightning for pairing and charging.

Specs

Launch and context

Apple announced it on September 9, 2015 alongside the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. US pricing was $99, sold separately from the iPad. The November 9 notice confirmed orders from November 11; 9to5Mac's contemporary review noted scarce initial availability. Announcement, order opening and individual delivery are not the same date. Launch compatibility was with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, not every Lightning-equipped iPad. [pen-launch, pen-orders, pen-review]

How Apple presented it

Sensors measured pressure and tilt to vary strokes and shading, working with the iPad touch system and compatible apps. The tip was replaceable and a magnetic cap covered the Lightning connector. 9to5Mac praised palm rejection and shading and described the included adapter for charging through a Lightning cable. Apple Pencil was not required to use the iPad; it was a precision accessory for illustration, handwriting and markup. [pen-launch, pen-review, pen-spec]

Documented issues

The loose cap could be misplaced and there was no power switch: physical limits highlighted by the review rather than an established defect in every unit. The same test observed battery drain during transport without establishing a universal degradation rate. Apple's cumulative specification lists later iPads and a USB-C adapter required for some models; these are later compatibility requirements, not 2015 box contents. A physically matching port alone does not guarantee pairing or drawing support. [pen-review, pen-spec]

Sources

• pen-launch · Apple Newsroom, Apple introduces iPad Pro (2015-09-09) · https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2015/09/09Apple-Introduces-iPad-Pro-Featuring-Epic-12-9-inch-Retina-Display/
• pen-orders · Apple Newsroom, iPad Pro available to order Wednesday (2015-11-09) · https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2015/11/09Epic-12-9-inch-iPad-Pro-Available-to-Order-Online-Wednesday-Arrives-in-Stores-Later-This-Week/
• pen-review · 9to5Mac, Apple Pencil review (2015-11-24) · https://9to5mac.com/2015/11/24/review-apple-pencil-for-ipad-pro/
• pen-spec · Apple Support, Apple Pencil (1st generation) specs · https://support.apple.com/en-us/111920

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