Apple Pencil as iPad camera remote? Check out how this free app adds Samsung S-Pen-like features
Apple Pencil makes using the iPad quite convenient; it not only enhances the creative workflow but also helps in navigating iPadOS operating system seamless and supports features like Scribble, which converts handwriting to text. But have you ever wished your Apple Pencil could act as a remote trigger for taking photos, similar to the Samsung S-Pen on Galaxy devices? While this functionality isn’t natively available, a free app called Pencilera, first spotted by The Vergenow supports it.
Pencilera: UI and Apple Pencil support
As you might expect, the app is simple and offers a simple yet useful camera app on iPadOS. When you open the app, you’re greeted with information about the app’s features and how it works with different Apple Pencil models.
In terms of compatibility, only the Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro is supported due to the sensors needed for the remote trigger function. It works by double-tapping the stem of the Apple Pencil 2, similar to switching tools, or by squeezing the stem on the Apple Pencil Pro, which has sensors that detect when you squeeze the stylus.
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Apple Pencil Becomes a Camera Remote: How It Works
After you install the application using App Storeand grant the necessary permissions, you can switch between the front and rear cameras. Then, you just double-tap or squeeze your Apple Pencil, depending on the model.
This feature is especially useful when taking photos when you can’t press the shutter button, such as when taking a group photo or when there’s no one to take your photo. However, at the moment, you can only take photos and can’t trigger video recording.
Also, note that this feature is currently only available on iPadOS, as there’s no way to connect an Apple Pencil to an iPhone. That said, few people use their iPads to take photos, but this app definitely encourages it, especially for group shots.
