Apple Pencil stop working after 18.0.1 update.
Tried same pencil with iOS 17.x (different iPad; same hardware) and it works just fine. It's not a hardware (tip, battery) problem.
I have tried all suggestions: reseting iPad, forgetting Bluetooth device, etc. iPad still recognizes my pencil, but it just does not work.
Anyone with the same problem? Any solution?
iPad Air (5th. Generation); Apple Pencil 2nd. Generation
iPad Air (5th generation)
If your iPad and Pencil are not operating as expected, try a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated or post update software issue:
Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)
If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:
Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)
Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings
If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:
Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support
Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044
You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist with troubleshooting:
So, Ipados 17.7 is still signed by apple. Using Itunes I have made a Backup of my ipad. Downloaded 17.7 version and restored it to this older version. And......diden´t worked!
I suspect that apple pencil firmware was updated with ipados 18.01, and he killed it...
That´s not a coincidence, with lots of users complaining.
Its a shame apple´s silence. I love apple products. They say they "care about customers experience", but as time passes, I'm more and more certain that, what they want to say, is they care about customers money.
I am having the same trouble with my Apple Pencil 2 after OS18.1.1 recently. When I used the pencil on November 10, it was working well (I do not know what version of OS my iPad was on then). This time around, I deliberately updated the system and look what happened. I have been force resetting my iPad about 40 times in the last 24 hours and it has only managed to detect my pencil 4 times.
Finally I spoke to Apple Support and they say that there is a possibility that there is a glitch during a firmware installation, something like that. I am waiting to speak to them on the phone tomorrow. I really hope this can be fixed, I cannot bring myself to buy this same pencil without a good explanation.
Did you solve your problem yet? Please share your solutions.
jaime_rcz arjunaakko Jvarzea kenjivictor BigBubba221
Having the exact same issues, @Techsavvymind. I tried all the troubleshoots above with no luck.
I thought 18.2 would fix it. When it didn’t, I thought for sure that 18.2.1 would knock it out. I’m sure you know the frustration. I can’t use the pencil I was using literally up until I installed the update (aside from the side tap), but I can connect and use some generic tablet pen and write just fine.
It’s been about 2 months now without being able to use the pencil. I find it both ironic and irritating that the update released & marketed for their own branded product actually disables the pencil rather than add functionality. Go figure.
In my response I mention that I have two 2nd gen pencils that were purchased over a year apart and both stopped working at the same time. Both connect magnetically and are paired, but immediately after removing them from the side to use they disconnect. Both were purchased online from Apple without any discounts.
I think this is an issue that needs an iOS update to fix. Too many people have this problem, which essentially nullifies one of the most significant features of the iPad so hopefully it it will be addressed. One of my two Apple Pencil 2nd gen was under warranty, so I’m having a new one shipped, but I have a feeling that that won’t change anything. I’ll find out tomorrow on Feb 25, 2025 (if all goes to schedule).
My pencil also stopped working after upgrading to 18.1. Pencil connected, double tap working but not writing.
I gave up after trying what I described in my post above, and just bought a new Pencil. It works ok. But there clearly is some issue with the iOS update and this iteration of the Apple Pencil.
I've been experiencing same issue. I just bough a Second gen Apple pencil and its not working. It pairs to my ipad pro when I connect it magnetically to the side, but the very moment I remove it, it disconnects. Tried all troubleshooting steps and nothing is working.
Same issue yesterday after ios 18 update.
The ipad recognizes the pencil when docked, 100% battery, write for 1 min, then stops writing.
Several forums on reedit with the same problem.
That's a shame.
In 2018, after update ipad pro 10.5, he died. Apple didn't assume any responsability. I'm done with apple products. I'v to work several months to buy my ipad and pencil... Apple didn't care about anyone. Just profit
Please can you look into this it is an update issue. Can i roll back to an earlier update if so how do i do that please. I have tried all the advice below and its not working on two pencils dont tell me the batteries have gone simultaneously on both, mine and my partners. Both pencils working before the update.
Bought a brand new iPad PRO (M4) today. Coming from a 5 year old iPad Pro running 17.6.1. Setup forced an update to 18.1.1. The brand new iPad Pro doesn't even see the pencil to start the pairing process. It see air pods with zero issues so it's not a bluetooth thing. I hard reset the new iPad, removed and unpaired the pencil from the old one to see if it was a pencil issue (it wasn't) the tip is on tight and it's charged to 100%
I am a graphic artist and this is a complete waste of $1,200. I may need to return the new iPad at this point - it's 3 hours old. So frustrated.
I'm having the same problem. After the update the pencil stopped working. I use it for studying and creating some art. I refuse to buy another one. When I comment on the value of this pen, people call me crazy for paying the price for it. Apple does something, its reputation is no longer the best.
Exact same thing. iPad mini now updated to 18.1.1 Apple pencil 2nd gen. It will pair when physically connected, but won’t charge and will unpair as soon as pencil is removed from magnet on side of iPad. Brand new Apple 2 pencil. Tried forgetting device. Tried hard reboot.
Updated iPad mini 6 yesterday to 18.3.1 and Pencil 2 no longer works. It says connected in bluetooth settings and battery at 100%. Tried unpairing and re-pairing, turning bluetooth on/off, restarting iPad, checked for any damage, but nothing works. Screen completely unresponsive. Contacted Apple Support via online chat and she had no idea. Anyone else have this, and what was your solution? I'm hoping it's software and not hardware. Thanks.
Has this been fixed yet? I have an iPad Pro 3rd Generation with an Apple Pencil 2nd Gen. It's currently running 18.3.2. I thought it was my Apple Pencil going bad so I went ahead an ordered one. The same issue persists!
The docking is working. It recognizes the Apple Pencil. I take it off, the Double Tap works. However, it's just when the Pencil is used on the screen is where it doesn't get recognized. I've gone and tried to re-pair the pencil and what not, nothing's working!
Apple Pencil stop working after 18.0.1 update.
