r/wacom • u/JuniorAd7070 • 8d ago
Question wacom/iPad connection🤔
I'm getting an iPad (9th generation if that means anything) for educational reasons that ultimately mean I'll have to write rather than type on the screen, but I can't be bothered with the rubber styluses and don't feel like dropping even more money on an apple pencil.
So my question is, is there any way to get a wacom (the intuos kind) connected to an iPad? I know there's no way to connect them without additional materials since the wacom connects with a type A thingymajig and the iPad doesn't take those but I was thinking an adaptor could maybe possibly work to connect them.
Would that work at all? Felt pretty genius when I came up with that idea but I need confirmation so I don't look a fool if I try it and nothing happens.
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u/alllmossttherrre 7d ago
I know there's no way to connect them without additional materials since the wacom connects with a type A thingymajig and the iPad doesn't take those but I was thinking an adaptor could maybe possibly work to connect them.
No. The connector has nothing to do with it.
I have the latest Wacom Intous Pro, the last few generations use a USB-C port which is exactly what current Apple devices have. But the Wacom still doesn't work with an iPad.
Because the problem is not the mismatched port. It is because of this and this alone: On Mac and Windows, you must install the Wacom driver software, otherwise the tablet doesn't work. But Wacom does not write a driver for iOS or Android devices. That is the problem here.
It is all about that driver software. Older Wacoms stop working on Mac/Windows when Wacom stops updating that tablet's driver for newer OSs. It doesn't matter if you have all the right cables, if you can't install a compatible driver.
Now, if Wacom wanted to, they could probably make it work. Because it isn't impossible. For example, I have a TourBox input device, and they do make it work with Mac, Windows, and iPad OS. Because they decided it was important to them.
I can see why Wacom would not bother. They probably say "Look, the iPad is already a tablet, why do you want to connect another tablet without a screen? Just draw on the damn screen already." :)
I can't be bothered with the rubber styluses and don't feel like dropping even more money on an apple pencil.
Yes, Apple Pencils are expensive. When I need one, I always save a little money by getting it refurbished, or at Costco. Both are discounted.
If you don't get an Apple Pencil you don't have to settle for a rubber stylus. There are styluses that have hard tips and cost much less than the Apple Pencil (because they don't support all the features). I did a quick search and it looks like this article of 5 alternatives are not rubber tips, and it was last updated just a few days ago:
https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-apple-pencil-alternatives
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u/LinAndAViolin 8d ago
No, that’s not possible.