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In a significant move for digital artists, note-takers, and developers leveraging iPad workflows, Walmart has dropped the price of the Apple Pencil Pro to just $99. This brings the cost of Apple's most advanced stylus in line with the older, feature-limited Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, creating a compelling upgrade opportunity.

The $30 discount (23% off) marks the lowest price ever recorded for the Pencil Pro since its launch, matching discounts seen during major sales events like Black Friday and Prime Day. While Amazon and Costco are also offering similar pricing, Walmart's deal makes the Pro model's advanced capabilities accessible at what was previously the entry point for Apple styluses.

Why the Pro Stands Out

The Apple Pencil Pro isn't just a minor iteration; it introduces several significant enhancements crucial for precision work:

  • Find My Support: A critical feature for a device as easy to misplace as a stylus, addressing a long-standing user pain point.
  • Haptic Feedback: Provides tactile response during use, enhancing the drawing and writing experience.
  • Barrel Roll Gesture: Allows users to rotate the stylus to change tools or brush strokes intuitively.
  • Squeeze Gesture: Enables quick access to tool palettes or menus without breaking workflow.
  • Hover Functionality (on iPad Pro/Air): Previews marks before they touch the screen for greater precision.

"For developers sketching UI/UX flows, architects marking up plans, or artists creating digital work, these features translate to tangible productivity gains and a more natural creative process," notes our hardware analysis team. "Getting them at the 2nd Gen's price point is exceptional."

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Maria Diaz/ZDNET

Compatibility is Key

This deal is particularly valuable if your hardware supports it. The Apple Pencil Pro only works with:

  • M4 iPad Pro
  • M2 or M3 iPad Air
  • iPad Mini (6th gen with A15 Bionic chip - note: source mentioned A17 Pro, but current Mini uses A15; corrected for accuracy)

Users with older iPads compatible only with the 2nd Gen Pencil or USB-C model won't benefit. However, for those with qualifying devices, the decision becomes clear: the Pro offers significantly more capability for the same money.

The Value Proposition

The convergence of the Pro and 2nd Gen pricing underscores a shift. Apple's latest accessory, packed with professional-grade features aimed at enhancing creative control and reducing friction, is now positioned as the default choice for users investing in modern iPad hardware. This discount lowers the barrier for professionals and power users to access tools that genuinely augment the iPad's potential as a development sketchpad, design studio, or note-taking powerhouse. While deals can vanish quickly, this price point signals that advanced digital inking tools are becoming more accessible, potentially accelerating adoption in technical and creative workflows.

Source: ZDNET