by Hartley Charlton
Apple currently offers four different Apple Pencil models, priced at $79, $99, and $129, each with different feature sets and compatibility. Our guide will help you decide which Apple Pencil best suited for you.
Which Apple Pencil what you should buy is primarily determined by what model of iPad you have. Some iPad models are compatible with only one type of Apple Pencil, while others are compatible with two. If your iPad The model only supports one type of Apple Pencil, your purchasing decision will be simple. Use the table below to find out which Apple Pencil simulates your iPad supports:
| Apple Pencil (first generation, 2015) | Apple Pencil (second generation, 2018) | Apple Pencil (USB-C, 2023) | Apple Pencil Pro (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 12.9 inches (first and second generation) | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third, fourth, fifth and sixth generations) | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations) | iPad Pro 13-inch (seventh generation) |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch | iPad Pro 11-inch (first, second, third and fourth generation) | iPad Pro 11-inch (first, second, third, fourth and fifth generation) | iPad Pro 11-inch (fifth generation) |
| iPad Air (third generation) | iPad Air (fourth and fifth generation) | iPad Air (fourth, fifth and sixth generation) | iPad Air (sixth generation) |
| iPad mini (fifth generation) | iPad mini (sixth generation) | iPad mini (sixth generation) | |
| iPad (sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth generations) | iPad (tenth generation) |
Simply put, if your iPad equipped with a Lightning connector, it is only compatible with Apple Pencil first generation, provided that it has Apple Pencil support in general. It will not work with Apple Pencil second generation. or Apple Pencil with USB-C. If your iPad has a USB-C port and is compatible with Apple Pencil second generation. and Apple Pencil with USB-C, excluding iPad tenth generation, which supports Apple Pencil first generation. and Apple Pencil with USB-C and M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro, which support Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C.
It is worth noting that the first generation Apple Pencil only compatible with iPad tenth generation. using a USB-C to USB-C cable to Apple Pencil Adapter. Cannot use Apple Pencil first generation; in the same way with any other iPad model with USB-C port.
All four Apple Pencil The models feature “pixel-perfect” accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, but have different designs, pairing and charging methods, pressure-sensing capabilities, and more. The table below lists all the hardware and feature differences between the various Apple Pencil models.
| Apple Pencil (first generation, 2015) | Apple Pencil (second generation, 2018) | Apple Pencil (USB-C, 2023) | Apple Pencil Pro (2024) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glossy surface | Matte surface | Matte surface | Matte surface | ||
| Weighted to prevent rolling | Flat edge to prevent rolling and binding to the side of the iPad | Flat edge to prevent rolling and binding to the side of the iPad | Flat edge to prevent rolling and attached to the side of the iPad | ||
| Attached Magnetic storage, pairing and charging | Attaches magnetic storage mount | Attaches magnetically for storage, pairing and charging | |||
| Length 6.92 inches | Length 6.53 inches | Length 6, 1 inch | [Unknown at this time] | ||
| Removable cover | Fixed sliding cover | ||||
| Lightning connector | USB-C port | ||||
| Pair and charge via Lightning port or USB-C to USB-C cable to Apple Pencil Adapter | Wireless connection and charging | Pairing and charging via USB-C cable | Wireless connection and charging | ||
| Pressure sensitivity | Pressure sensitivity | Pressure sensitivity | |||
| Barrel | Supports Apple Pencil hover | Supports Apple Pencil hover | Supports Apple Pencil hover | ||
| Double click to change tool | Double click to change tool | Double tap to change tool | |||
| Compress control | |||||
| Haptic feedback | |||||
| Find my support | |||||
| Free engraving | Free engraving option | ||||
| $99 | $129 | $79 | $129 |
First generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil with USB-C
Most users should choose Apple Pencil with USB-C. Priced at just $79 Apple Pencil with USB-C provides a good balance of features and a more modern design. It also has the added benefit of being compatible with a wide range of models and will likely work with all new iPad models for many years to come.
You should only choose Apple Pencil first generation. if you particularly need pressure sensitivity for activities like drawing, since the Apple Pencil USB-C does not have this feature. Buyers should be aware that this model sells for an additional $20 and requires USB-C for Apple Pencil Adapter for iPad tenth generation and will not be compatible with any future iPad models. It also cannot be attached magnetically to the iPad for storage, has a larger, older design and has a removable cover on the Lightning connector that is easy to lose.
2nd generation Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro vs Apple Pencil with USB-C
When choosing between Apple Pencil second generation; or Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil With USB-C, the Gen 2 and Pro models are better choices due to their superior feature set, but you'll need to spend an extra $50 to get there. Double-tap to change tools and pressure sensitivity can be particularly useful additions for illustrators, while easy pairing and charging on the iPad provides a much better experience than a wired connection using a USB-C cable.
If you only have basic needs for activities like handwriting notes and annotating documents, Apple Pencil USB-C is still a great option at a much more affordable price. It even supports Apple Pencil hover over the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models.
Tag: Apple Pencil GuideForum on topic: iPad Accessories268 comments
