Cochrana Author

Level 1

47 points

Apple Pencil Pro disconnects after iPadOS 26 update – shows battery but not connected

Hello,

After updating my iPad to iPadOS 26 (official release, not beta), my Apple Pencil Pro is not working properly.

When I attach it to the magnetic side of the iPad, it shows the preview/intro tutorial for a moment.
Bluetooth status shows Connected for a second, then immediately changes to Not Connected.
The battery percentage is displayed (stuck at 89%) but it never charges higher.

I already tried:

Forgetting the device and re-pairing
Resetting iPad and even Reset All Settings
Force restart and Bluetooth reset

None of these steps solved the issue.

So the iPad detects the Pencil, but it cannot stay connected and is unusable.

Is this a known bug in iPadOS 26?

Is there any manual way to force update or reset the Apple Pencil Pro firmware?

Or should we wait for iPadOS 26.1 to fix this issue?

Thanks.

iPad model: iPad Pro 2024 M4

iPad Pro

Posted on Sep 16, 2025 6:07 AM

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,012 points

Posted on Nov 4, 2025 6:42 AM

EHLEE75 wrote:

as of Nov 4, I updated my iPad to iOS 26.1, and that did not fix the issue. By the way, I erroneously said I had an Apple Pencil pro but I actually have Apple Pencil 2nd generation.

also after factory resetting my iPad again, when I attach the pencil to my iPad, it has a rotating pencil appearing on the side of the iPad where my pencil will magnetically attach. But still iPad does not recognize it

Your Apple Pencil is exhibiting symptoms of a failing/failed battery - that will not reliably accept or hold any charge.

The tiny internal Li-ion battery is susceptible to permanent/irreversible damage through being left discharged for long periods. Even some “new” pencils can exhibit signs of failure out-of-the-box if they are “old stock”. It is essential that if you have an Apple Pencil that you charge it regularly - whether used or not - so as to protect the battery from deep-discharge. Do not allow a pencil to remain in low-charge state for any period of time - as the internal battery will fail, rendering the Pencil useless. Setting aside an unused Pencil, for extended periods, is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.

If the Pencil Battery has failed, the only remedy is to replace the Pencil. If the battery has failed and your pencil is within its one-year warranty, you should look to having it replaced by your retailer or at an Apple Store.

You would be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad and Pencil. If a fault is identified, you’ll be in the best possible place to explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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43 replies

jongho75

Level 1

8 points

Oct 19, 2025 7:14 PM in response to Cochrana

when I updated iPadOS 26.0.1 this problem is disappeared. so I knew that this problem is resolved at iPadOS 26.0.1.

But, this problem reopened to yesterday. abruptly, same issue is appeared.

When connect pencil to iPad using Magnetic side. pop-up displayed "connected". and show apple pencil in bluetooth list as "connected". but status is changed from "connected" to "disconnected" after 10s.

I couldn't understand why this problem is shown. it is only assumed software bug. because this error doesn't be shown in iPad OS 18.x.x.

Please, apple developer and QA focuses on this problem.

Model : iPad Air 11(M2)

Pencil : Applie pencil pro

Nov 4, 2025 6:52 PM in response to Cochrana

I am having this same issue with a iPad Air M3 and a brand new Apple pencil Pro. I am currently on iPad OS 26.1 and have tried all the remedies multiple times. I do not believe the battery in the pencil is the issue as after leaving it disconnected for a full day it is still at 100% when I do try and connect it back long enough to see the battery level.

Nov 29, 2025 6:53 AM in response to Cochrana

I have a brand new iPad Pro M5 and a brand new Pencil Pro and have this exact issue. I've reset the iPad multiple times, forgotten the pencil in Bluetooth, etc, and it will not stay connected for more than a few seconds.

David104

Level 1

0 points

Dec 30, 2025 10:04 AM in response to EHLEE75

I also have exactly the same issue. I also see the the Hardware recognizes the apple pencil but when I use it, nothing happens. Already updated the ipad for Ipad OS 26.2 and the problem is still there.

Has anyone discover a resolution for this issue?

Dec 31, 2025 11:52 AM in response to Cochrana

Same exact issue. Brand new Apple Pencil Pro. Brand new iPad Air M3. You should be *expletive* embarrassed for yourselves, Apple. First IOS 26, now this. Get it together or refund us not just for the products, but for the time wasted. Seriously, after switching 8-9 years ago, I'm legitimately thinking of returning to Android.

Please!

Cochrana Author

Level 1

47 points

Sep 16, 2025 10:32 PM in response to Cochrana

Please help if anyone knows what I should do.

shiza259

Level 1

14 points

Sep 28, 2025 11:02 AM in response to valentinoooo

Yes the same happens with my 11th gen iPad with 1st generation pencil. This issue started only after updating to ios 26 .

Sep 29, 2025 2:33 PM in response to grae0

grae0, did you ever get it fixed? I did a chat with Apple Support and got nowhere.

Oct 2, 2025 1:42 PM in response to jadeniputt

How were you able to downgrade? I've tried a dozen times.

Oct 2, 2025 2:19 PM in response to JoeMenRod

There aren’t any easy ways to downgrade. The most used downgrade option requires the use of iTunes, an app that has screwed me in the past so I don’t use it for anything anymore.

Oct 12, 2025 8:59 AM in response to Cochrana

Have the identical issue. Absolutely maddening. Pencil works for 10 seconds and then nothing. Come on Apple!

Oct 18, 2025 3:42 AM in response to Cochrana

It’s been a month and no fix. 26.0.1 did not resolve the issue.

[Edited by Moderator]

jongho75

Level 1

8 points

Oct 20, 2025 6:27 PM in response to LotusPilot

Your opinion isn't correct. I received call from apple QA. apple monitor this community sometimes.

Apple QA checked my iPad using remote connection.

Apple Pencil Pro disconnects after iPadOS 26 update – shows battery but not connected