Apple Pencil Buyer's Guide: Which of the Four Models Works with Your iPad?

Apple has once again made the Apple Pencil line a little more confusing confusing

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Now Apple has four Apple Pencil models, and their compatibility varies widely. Here are which Apple Pencils are compatible with which iPads.

Not only are there four separate Apple Pencil models, each with their own list of features. Determining which one you need depending on your iPad model can be a little confusing, so let's take a moment to understand the differences.

Apple Pencil Pro

Apple Pencil Pro, announced on May 7, 2024, is an Apple product the newest addition to the line. Apple Pencil Pro introduces several new features exclusive to the new model.

Apple Pencil Pro demonstrates the squeeze gesture in Procreate

For example, the barrel rotation allows users to rotate the barrel to change the orientation of the pen and brush. This is ideal for drawing in programs like Procreate.

The new compression feature allows many apps to open context menus that allow users to switch tools, line weights and colors.

Apple Pencil Pro gets haptic feedback for the first time, allowing apps to inform users when they register certain actions. For example, Procreate will use haptic feedback to signal that an object is locked in a precise location.

Also new to the Apple Pencil Pro is Find My support. You can now quickly and easily find your missing Apple Pencil Pro using the Find Me app on your Apple devices.

In addition to the new features, Apple Pencil Pro retains previous features including double-tap, Apple Pencil pointing, pressure sensitivity, and tilt sensitivity. Like its predecessor, it connects magnetically to compatible iPads and pairs and charges wirelessly.

The Apple Pencil Pro costs $129, the same as the second-generation Apple Pencil, and can be paid for with an Apple Card.

Apple Pencil Pro Compatibility

M4 13-inch iPad Pro
M4, 11-inch iPad Pro
M2, 13-inch iPad Air
M2, 11-inch iPad Air

2nd generation Apple Pencil

2nd generation Apple Pencil, first introduced in November 2018, was the first to use a magnetic mount for wireless pairing and charging. This was considered a significant upgrade from the first generation, which required users to charge it through the iPad's Lightning port.

2nd generation Apple Pencil

This Apple Pencil is tilt- and pressure-sensitive, has double-tap functionality, and supports Apple Pencil pointing on the iPad M2. Pro and iPad Air models.

The second-generation Apple Pencil costs $129 when purchased from Apple and can be paid for with an Apple Card.

Second generation Apple Pencil compatibility

12, 9-inch iPad Pro, third to sixth generation.
11-inch iPad Pro, first to fourth generation.
iPad Air, fourth and fifth generation.
iPad mini. , sixth generation

Apple Pencil USB-C

In November 2023, Apple released the Apple Pencil USB-C, making the device compliant with European Union laws requiring standardization of ports for rechargeable devices.

Functionally, it falls somewhere between the original Apple Pencil and the second generation Apple Pencil. While it can connect to your iPad magnetically, it doesn't connect or charge wirelessly. It must be charged via the included USB-C port.

The sliding cover reveals the USB-C charging port

It supports Apple Pencil pointing on the M2 iPad Pro and iPad Air models. It also supports tilt sensitivity.

Interestingly, the Apple Pencil USB-C does not support pressure sensitivity, which is supported even by the first generation Apple Pencil. This makes it less ideal for artists.

Apple Pencil USB-C is available for $79 and can be paid for with an Apple Card when purchased through Apple.

Apple Pencil USB-C compatibility

M4 13-inch iPad Pro
M4 11-inch iPad Pro
M2 13-inch iPad Air
M2 11-inch iPad Air
12.9-inch iPad Pro, third to sixth generation.
11-inch iPad Pro, first to fourth generation.
iPad Air, fourth and fifth generation.
iPad mini, sixth generation
iPad, tenth generation

Apple Pencil 1st generation

The original Apple Pencil, a largely obsolete model with a limited lifespan, was introduced in 2015. It features a Lightning connector used for charging and pairing with compatible iPad models. It also has a completely round design, whereas all new Apple Pencil models have one flattened side to prevent rolling off flat surfaces.

Apple Pencil first generationApple Pencil first generationApple Pencil first generation

It does not support Apple Pencil pointing because it is not compatible with M2 iPad Air and iPad Pro models. It also doesn't connect to the iPad magnetically.

It does, however, have tilt and pressure sensitivity, making it a better option for iPad artists who haven't yet upgraded to a model that supports the second-generation Apple Pencil.

The first-generation Apple Pencil still costs $99, the same as its original price, and can be paid for with an Apple Card.