Level 1

30 points

Why is my Apple Pencil not connecting after the iOS 18 update?

I have a new iPad Air m2 and my Apple Pencil pro in no longer connecting after iOS 18 update. For context I’ve had the iPad for maybe 2 weeks and haven’t had any problems. My Apple Pencil pro was working fine on all the apps I was using like notes and pro create. I updated my iPad to iOS 18 last night with no problems. This morning when I went to us it and use my pencil it no longer worked. I’ve deleted it from Bluetooth, reset my iPad settings, tried connecting again and again but nothing. When attaching the Pencil the animation of the Pencil connecting comes up stay for a while then disappears, but still no connection. Has anyone had a similar problem?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Air (M2, 2024)

Posted on Sep 17, 2024 8:34 AM

Top-ranking reply

Deephue

Level 1

20 points

Posted on Jan 21, 2025 11:51 PM

Spoke to Genius team at Apple store in December. They said to me that the pencil needed a firmware update. Which was applied and since I have had no issues.

The problem is that firmware update cannot be forced. It’s applied automatically when it’s on the magnetic charger. That’s all they told me.

Since that day I have had no issues and I use it constantly for drawing.

I would suggest to people take in into store. The more people do it the more Apple realise it’s a big issue.

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23 replies

Jofugatt

Level 1

32 points

Oct 30, 2024 7:43 AM in response to Jofugatt

Just bought a NON-Apple pencil to see if IT will work. If they don't get it fixed soon, I'll never buy another Apple pencil and I'll stick with the WAY cheaper after market versions. Ridiculous.

GeoAbbey

Level 1

14 points

Dec 1, 2024 2:44 PM in response to QuentinNW

Has anyone found a solution to this? I just bought another pencil and still not working.

Maquia

Level 1

8 points

Dec 2, 2024 1:43 AM in response to Jofugatt

hello, is the no-apple pencil working?

beta32

Level 1

8 points

Dec 4, 2024 5:57 PM in response to QuentinNW

Same issue here. I cannot use my Apple Pencil anymore because it spins spins and doesn't connect.

Dec 4, 2024 8:01 PM in response to Maquia

No, the Apple Pencil Pro no longer connects with any iPad after the 18.2 updates. I hope they fix this soon because this is a costly mistake on their part.

Deephue

Level 1

20 points

Dec 8, 2024 1:57 AM in response to Maquia

Only in iOS 17

jjRSA

Level 1

8 points

Jan 21, 2025 10:17 PM in response to QuentinNW

Hello is there any way to solve this problem yet ?

i have m2 ipad pro and this is a problem for me as i use my ipad on the road

Mattchip

Level 1

14 points

Dec 6, 2024 9:38 PM in response to QuentinNW

Same thing happening here, although it just randomly did it to me, I hadn't updated yet or anything and was working fine about a week or 2 ago, before the 18 update. I was hesitant to update and then through troubleshooting decided to upgrade to 18 incase that would fix. Also did the forget from bluetooth and now can not connect at all. with the new update, a picture of the pencil pops up on the screen next to the pen but thats it. also get the tap to connect only with bluetooth off, which thens turns bluetooth on and does nothing. stuck in a loop. disappointing but glad to know its a software issue and that im not that only one. hopefully we get a fix for it soon, im currently using an aftermarket aswell. all the best

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Why is my Apple Pencil not connecting after the iOS 18 update?