This cheaper Apple Pencil alternative now has tilt detection and a better tip

In 2018, the SonarPen debuted arsenic a cheaper alternate to the Apple Pencil by utilizing audio signals transmitted to the iPad implicit a cablegram alternatively of Bluetooth. Its creators are backmost with an upgraded USB-C mentation that introduces further functionality, including tilt detection and an improved extremity that present intimately resembles the Apple Pencil’s.

The SonarPen 2 is presently disposable for preorder done a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, with shipping estimated to commencement arsenic aboriginal arsenic April 2025. If you preorder early, the SonarPen 2 is discounted to astir $32, with afloat retail pricing expected to beryllium person to $45.

The SonarPen 2 inactive supports features similar thenar rejection, unit sensitivity, and a customizable shortcut fastener portion adding tilt detection and a extremity akin to the Apple Pencil’s that tin beryllium replaced arsenic it wears down. Other third-party iPad styluses that enactment features similar tilt detection and unit sensitivity are much expensive, specified arsenic the $70 Adonit Note Plus.

The archetypal SonarPen could beryllium connected to an iPad’s little voltage headphone jack, but the SonarPen 2 lone works erstwhile connected to a USB-C oregon Lightning port. It’s specifically designed for iPad models with a astute pen surface digitizer.

Another regulation of the SonarPen 2 is that apps request to enactment its features similar tilt detection and shortcut buttons specifically. The existent database of afloat supported apps, including ibis Paint X and Zen Brush 3, is not extensive. For apps that haven’t explicitly added SonarPen 2 support, the stylus volition relation similar the archetypal Apple Pencil but without unit sensitivity.