After making the investment in an iPad and Apple Pencil, you might be looking for ways to add comfort and personalization to your new setup with some Pencil-specific accessories.
The best Apple Pencil accessories range from cases and grips to make your Pencil feel more like a real pen, storage and charging setups for your desk or dresser, and even a drawing glove made specifically for digital artists.
For however you use your Apple Pencil in conjunction with any of the best iPads, there’s a wide range of accessory options available — and we’ve sifted through some of the most popular choices so you can find what’s right for you.
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Made from soft silicone, the NimbleGrip makes for a more comfortable experience. If you use a second-generation Pencil, you’ll need to shift or remove the grip for charging or double-tap functions, but the grip is easily removable.
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The case’s individual storage compartments, fabric lining, and magnetic lid closure ensure that none of your first-generation Apple Pencil first accessories get lost in your purse, bag, or suitcase.
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It looks like a traditional number two pencil, and it’s compatible with the second-generation Pencil’s charging against your iPad and double-tap capabilities. The sloped sides also provide stability, so it won’t roll away when placed down.
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With an easy-to-lose cap and limited charging options, it can be frustrating to charge your first-gen Pencil. This charging stand includes a place to charge your first generation Pencil as well as a spot to store the cap while charging.
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With its 3D printed sleek design for those looking for a minimalist desk setup. It comes in several elegant color options, including marble and gold, and at its low price is a no-brainer addition to the modern home office.
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While there’s a handy spot in the case that allows you to utilize the Pencil’s double-tap feature, it’s worth noting that you won’t be able to charge your second-generation Apple Pencil against the iPad with this case on. Nonetheless, it’s conveniently easy to remove for charging when you need.
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Another solution for keeping track of the Apple Pencil first generation cap during charging is this Pencil cap holder from PencilCozy. The cap is available in white, blue, pink, and four additional glow-in-the-dark options, and can stay attached to the Pencil while in use.
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Available in brown and black, magnetizes to the iPad (provided you also use an iPad Smart Cover) for easy storage and protection of your Apple Pencil when not in use.
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The slim NimbleSleeve Pencil case is the ideal choice for drawing or note taking. The shape prevents the Pencil from rolling away when not in use, and it’s compatible with the second generation Apple Pencil’s key features.
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A drawing glove eliminates the possibility of unwanted tool swaps by providing a barrier between the hand and the touch screen. The Mixoo glove has an added benefit of a seam down the palm, which is handy for sweeping dust away from your drawing surface without worrying about drawing an unexpected line.
FAQs
What should I look for in Apple Pencil accessories?
While there are lots of Apple Pencil accessories available, not all are created equal in terms of quality, compatibility, and functionality.
The main thing to consider in buying a new Pencil accessory is the model of Pencil the accessory is made for. While some of the accessories on this list can be used with both the first and second generation Apple Pencil models, many are geared specifically towards one model versus the other — and for features like the first generation’s removable cap or the second generation’s double-tap capabilities, you’ll definitely want to know whether a case will limit or inhibit those features.
Will my Apple Pencil work the same with a case or grip?
The short answer is yes, your Pencil will work as intended with a case or grip — however, it’s important to remember that in order to charge, a second-generation Pencil will need to stay in contact with the side of your iPad. Some cases are too thick to account for this charging capability, in which case you’ll need to remove the case for charging. If you don’t want to worry about removing the case while your Apple Pencil charges, you might consider a thinner case like the Classic Pencil Case by elago or the NimbleSleeve by Uppercase Designs that are specifically designed to accommodate magnetized charging.
The double-tap functionality of the second-generation Apple Pencil may be affected by a case or grip as well, since the double-tap area near the tip of the Pencil is often obscured by larger grips or cases that prioritize comfort for the user. Several of the cases on this list account for that by including a gap in the case where the surface of the Pencil can be accessed easily, however some cases or grips will need to be removed or slid up the pencil to utilize double-tap functions.
