Knowing the lifespan of your devices is always advisable. It can also help you know how to handle issues when they arise.
This is because you can tell that your device hasn’t completed its lifespan yet. So the issue is from somewhere else.
You can also be sure when to change the product and to prepare ahead.
Nevertheless, people still think Apple pencils don’t get damaged or worn out like regular pencils, but they are very wrong.
Apple pencils are to be changed once in two years. However, using it frequently will reduce your apple pencil’s lifespan, so if you use it to draw every day, it’s better to change it after six months, but if you rarely use it, two years is enough to change it or when it’s rough.
This article tells you everything you need to know about the lifespan of an Apple pencil and when it’s time to change it.
How Long Does an Apple Pencil Last?
The apple pencil varies in lifespan and depends on how you use your apple pencil.
For those who have a lot of jobs every day, their apple pencils quickly get out of those who do not frequently use them. But those who use it frequently should change it every six months.
The following are some of the jobs that you can do with an apple pencil.
#1. Drawing on Your iPad
Your apple pencil has the unique feature of drawing sketches and plans on your iPad, saving you the stress of drawing on paper.
It allows you to draw anything typically on your iPad. However, you cannot remove it using your apple pencil unless the feature is on.
You can turn it on by following the steps below;
- Go to the iPad setting app.
- Then move to the apple pencil set.
- Toggle on the apple pencil to draw.
- And you’re ready to use your apple pencil for drawing.
#2. Tracing a Diagram
You can use your apple pencils to trace diagrams on your iPad; you must turn on your tracing setting.
Instead of trying to draw the same diagram on paper, it is easier to use the apple pencil to trace your diagrams and draw them out.
#3. Writing (Can Be Converted Into Text or In Handwritten Format)
How do you feel writing in your handwriting on your phone? Great, right?
The apple pencil offers this, as you can use it to write using your handwriting on your iPad or even change it to text.
#4. Making Screenshots
Making Screenshots is easier with the apple pencil on your iPad.
To make a screenshot on your iPad using your apple pencil, slide your apple pencil on your screen from the side to the center.
Once you slide it to the center, the screenshot will be made and saved on your device.
#5. To Delete Texts
Sometimes, when using your apple pencil, you need help to delete text as you have to use the delete feature of the iPad.
However, apple pencils can also delete text. Scribe out the text using the pencil tip, and the text will clean off.
#6. Other Reasons You Might Want To Change Your Apple Pencil or Tip
Even when you have to change your apple pencil when it’s rough. Apple has made it easier and less expensive for a lot of us.
You can quickly get a tip from Apple’s store or even order your apple pencil on Amazon’s store.
Below are other reasons that’ll make you want to change your apple pencil tip.
#1. Unresponsive To Touch
You’re using the apple pencil, and sometimes it looks like it has lost connection and stops working from time to time.
Or you’re making a diagram, and you find that your diagram has breaks or holes; it’s time to change your pencil tip.
#2. Metal Visible
When you notice the metal in your apple pencil is visible, you need to change your apple pencil.
If you wait to change it earlier, you might damage your laptop’s screen, and the expenses become more than expected.
Also, you might want to change your pencil as a whole if it;
- Does not charge
- Charges slower than normal
- Shakes while charging
- It has a weak battery
- Is broken
How Do I Enhance the Lifespan of My Apple Pencil?
No one would want to buy an appliance, use it for a brief period, and then get worn out or damaged.
It’s a fault with the manufacturing, or you did something you were not supposed to, thereby shortening the lifespan.
For your apple pencil to last longer, there are things you’re not supposed to do with your Apple Pencil.
#1. Scrubbing on a Rough Surface
Apple Inc made the pencil slide on an Apple iPad’s screen, which is a smooth surface and not a hard surface.
If you use it on a hard surface, the pencil’s tip will get rough and worn out, and you’ll have to get a new tip.
It would help if you avoided scrubbing or touching it on a rough surface so your apple pencil lasts longer.
#2. Screen Protector
If your iPad has a screen protector, it’ll make it difficult for the apple pencil to be used on it as it will slow or cause a break in the signal.
Since your iPad finds it challenging to comprehend the pencil’s information, you’ll tend to press it harder on the surface.
Pressing it harder makes the apple pencil tip get damaged earlier than expected.
So avoid fixing screen protectors on your iPad’s screen; even if you do, make sure you press only a little.
Also, avoid hitting it on a rigid surface, as this might cause it to break and damage your apple pencil.
It should be kept far from water and other wet substances to avoid shock or damage to the pencil. Please keep it away from little children who don’t know what it is.
Children who don’t know this might mistake it for a real pencil and try to break the apple pencil, and if broken, your pencil is damaged.
#2. Multiple Devices
Avoid using one apple pencil on multiple devices. It is to secure your Apple pencil to last longer.
Connecting it to many devices needs to be corrected; you should get one apple pencil for each device in your house.
Do Apple Pencils Run Out?
As with all appliances with batteries, apple pencils’ batteries also get drained and run out of battery capacity.
There is no problem with an Apple Pencil remote running out of battery capacity; it’s typical for all apple pencils.
Except for cases where the battery does not last and runs out typically, there is something wrong.
You’ll have to seek the attention of an expert or contact the manufacturer for more details on the product.
Always charge your apple pencil to avoid running out of power and going off when using it.
Well, you will know the percentage of the battery of the apple pencil when you check it out.
To check out the battery percentage;
- Go to settings on your iPad.
- Go to the battery.
- You’ll see your apple pencil as a paired device.
- Check under the apple device option or click on it if it is unavailable.
- Always check if your apple pencil battery is down to charge it fully. To avoid discomfort when it stops working.
What Happens When the Apple Pencil Dies?
You’re using your apple pencil, and suddenly, it stops sending signals to the iPad, or it stops working as a whole.
Then the battery of your apple pencil is down and needs to be recharged, or it won’t be able to perform its functions.
When the battery dies, you need to get a charger and insert it for it to charge until it is complete. When you charge the Apple Pencil, it can stay a whole day if used sparingly.
But if used frequently, then you must charge your apple pencil more than once a day if you want to use it.
However, if you get a new apple pencil and notice it takes a very long time to charge fully, you better get back to the manufacturer.
Also, you must contact the manufacturer if it usually charges, but it takes a little time before the battery runs out.
Do Apple Pencils Wear Out?
Yes, apple pencils do and always wear out, but this is only the tip that comes in contact with the screen.
Due to friction between the screen and the tip of the apple pencil, the tip wears out bit by bit until it is noticeable.
Compared to regular pencils, they only wear out slowly; they take six months to 2 years, depending on how you use them.
When your pencil tip is worn out, you must get a new pencil tip and replace it before you can use it for anything.
If you use a damaged or worn-out pencil tip on your iPad, you might cause damage to the screen of the iPad.
To replace a new pencil tip on an Apple pencil, follow these steps;
- Get your new apple pencil tip.
- On the pencil, turn the pencil tip anticlockwise.
- It’s like a screw, so screw it till it removes.
- Fix the new apple pencil tip on the pencil.
- Screw it clockwise until it cannot move.
- Your apple pencil tip is now new.
Differences Between an Apple Pencil and a Graphite Pencil
The table below outlines the differences between Apple and graphite pencils.
| Apple Pencil | Graphite Pencil |
|---|---|
| It takes a long time to wear out. | It takes a shorter time to wear out. |
| Used on an iPad screen. | Used on a paper or wooden surface. |
| If it breaks, you can get the tip changed. | If it breaks, you must sharpen it. |
| An electrical appliance. | Non-electrical appliance. |
Conclusion
Having an apple pencil for your iPad is a great idea. It helps you to do a lot of things like;
- Drawing
- Tracing
- Screenshots
- Deleting texts
- Handwritten texts
This device is essential to those who mainly want to draw with their iPad. You can order your apple tip on Amazon or the whole pencil itself.