Apple failed its customers by not designing the tablet to keep the Apple Pencil safe with the tablet. The Apple Pencil works great for taking notes or drawing on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch or the smaller iPad Pro 9.7-inch, but Apple screwed the ball by not designing the tablet and Pencil to keep it connected to the tablet. Microsoft has put a strong magnet in the updated versions of the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pen and it works well. I lost my first Apple Pencil and had to wait a second to continue using the iPad Pro’s greatest feature: the excellent inking and drawing capabilities built into the screen.
After losing my first Apple Pencil, I started looking for a good way to keep my Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro. I found several solutions. However, none work as well as the magnet that sits the Microsoft Surface Pen next to the Surface Pro 4. These options come close.
Leuchtturm Black Pen Cycle
this Leuchtturn Black Pen Cycle ($8.99) will hold the Apple Pencil to the iPad or your iPad cover. It’s a cheap little ring with a piece of adhesive. Remove the protective back and secure it to the iPad Pro or iPad Smart Keyboard. Attaches to any iPad Pro cover like the ones we recently recommended for the iPad Pro 9.7 inch.
The adhesive ring holds it in place and the elastic ring holds the Apple Pencil well. It doesn’t slip easily unless you take it off.
Place it carefully though. I put it in the middle of the iPad Pro Apple Smart Keyboard. If you place it on the outer third of the Smart Cover or Smart Keyboard, the loop makes it difficult to keep the iPad Pro in stand mode with the case. Also, when I fold the cover to the back of the iPad, the tablet wobbles a bit when sitting on a surface. Others prefer it on the edge of the iPad Pro like the screenshot above. Amazon.
Stylus Sling for Apple Pencil
After purchasing the first option, I was not completely satisfied. this Pen Hanger Works better than sent to us for review. An elastic piece sewn into a loop with a pocket on one side only. Pocket fits Apple Pencil perfectly. There’s also a small pocket for the tiny Lightning adapter just below the tip of the Apple Pencil so you don’t lose it. It would be perfect if they also kept the extra Apple Pencil tip.
Place the elastic loop on the iPad Pro cover with the Apple Pencil pocket facing out. Its uniform thickness prevents iPad from shaking when used in stand mode with the Smart Cover.
The company makes one for both iPad Pro tablet sizes. They cost $24.99. The smaller 9.7-inch version is currently out of stock but will be soon.
SwitchEasy Coverbuddy for iPad Pro
Coverbuddy from SwitchEasy fixes three problems for iPad Pro owners. First, Coverbuddy covers the back of your iPad Pro on both the 12.9 and 9.7-inch models. It’s even compatible with the Apple Smart Keyboard installed. Second, the Coverbuddy has a holder for the Apple Pencil on the back. The user can remove the holder and replace it with a faceplate that makes the back smooth. Third, with the hard plastic Apple Pencil holder in place, the Coverbuddy cover supports iPad Pro at a comfortable angle for drawing or taking notes.
Coverbuddy directly costs $39.99. SwitchEasy or Amazon. It comes in translucent black, white or translucent transparent. The coating is textured for better grip.
If you don’t like the idea of keeping the Apple Pencil on the back of the iPad Pro, then grab one of the many cases currently available that include Apple Pencil holders. We usually recommend Speck Cases and they are sell someone with a built-in Apple Pencil holder. It fits the 9.7-inch mod and costs $69.95, but does not support the Apple Smart Keyboard.
Moxiware Pen Magnet
Moxiware’s Apple Pencil Magnet allows the Apple Pencil to be attached to the iPad Pro just like the Surface Pen connects to the Surface Pro 4. This happens thanks to a magnetic sheath. Slide the case over the Apple Pencil and then snap it onto the iPad Pro.
The video below shows it connecting to the top front, top back and bottom edge (when in landscape mode with the home button on the right). It will also magnetically attach to the Apple Smart Cover or Keyboard.
The Pen Magnet comes in 6 colors (black, red, white, blue, green and yellow). It uses a non-smooth material that provides better grip to the user.
3 Apple Pencil Case or Case
Some people don’t want their Pen attached to the iPad Pro because it’s taking the lead or adding bulk. For these reasons, iPad Pro users often get a pencil case or case to hold their Pencil. This makes it a little bulkier and harder to lose and keeps it protected when not in use.
One option includes: Apple Pencil Case Sleeve Bag, a leather pouch that holds the Apple Pencil. It includes a cap that keeps the pen inside. Just throw it in your pocket or computer bag. It only costs $11.99.
A higher quality version of the leather case comes from our friends at Waterfield Designs. This Atelier iPad Pencil Case for $29.
If you’re the type to carry more than an Apple Pencil, then check this out: BTSKY Hard Shell Protective Case. Fits Apple Pencil and more. Those who carry the Apple Pencil as well as some sketch pencils or art pencils for paper drawing can use it to hold it all for just $9.99.
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