Apple shoves an extra “tip” into the packaging of the first generation Pencil, but doesn’t bother to provide one with the second generation. This begs the question: how do you know a refill is worn out? How to replace it? Do you absolutely have to use the (expensive) Apple tips? Can refills affect how the pen glides across the screen?
The refill, referred to by Apple as the “tip,” screws around the shaft of the stylus. Pressure and tilt are calculated by measuring the deformations of the screen wave and electromagnetic grid, and the relative distance between the screen and the metal parts of the pen. Image iGeneration.
A mine at the top
If you don’t use your pencil much, you won’t notice any signs of lead wear for two or three years. More regular users will likely need to replace them every six to 12 months, and professional illustrators have been known to spend as many as four replacement nibs a year! Definitely don’t wait until you’ve removed the plastic down to the metal ball to replace the lead.
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