ESR reveals the affordable alternative to the Apple Pencil Pro you've been waiting for.
The ESR Geo digital pencil, priced at $30, includes the Find My tracking feature, which was previously only available in the Apple Pencil Pro, priced at $129.
ESR has established itself as a brand that offers affordable and fairly reliable accessories for Apple products. Over the years, the company’s charging devices and iPad accessories have been a constant on my desk. At CES 2025, ESR unveiled a new innovation: the Geo Digital Pencil. At first glance, this ESR digital pencil resembles any other third-party stylus inspired by the Apple Pencil USB-C model, but it has an interesting localization trick.
The Geo Digital Pencil is compatible with Apple's Find My network, which is surprising given its $30 price tag. Until now, only the Apple Pencil Pro offered this functionality, but it costs $129. The Find My feature is one of the most useful characteristics within the Apple ecosystem, as it allows for easy tracking of lost items thanks to its extensive global network.
In comparison, the cheapest Apple device that includes Find My is the AirTag, which is priced similarly to the new ESR stylus. However, this pencil doesn’t just provide localization options. It charges via a USB-C port and attaches magnetically to the side of an iPad, preventing it from falling off or needing to be stored in a specific place. A full charge takes approximately half an hour and provides up to 12 hours of continuous use. Other features include tilt recognition and palm rejection, as well as a quick-access button on the top that allows for single and double tap gestures.
In terms of compatibility, the Geo Digital Pencil works with all iPad models released after 2018, except for the base model of the current generation. It is available in three colors: white, pink, and black.
Additionally, ESR also launched the HaloLock Classic Hybrid Case for the iPhone 16 series, a transparent MagSafe-compatible case that includes a camera support that also acts as a stand. One of the most interesting features of this case is the dedicated coverage for the Camera Control button, which is often exposed in many cases, complicating access. In the case of ESR, this shield features 9H tempered glass and a multi-layer capacitive PCB core, preventing any gaps that could affect functionality and protecting against dust.