Last fall, Apple released the Apple Pencil with USB-C and some of the features of the premium Apple Pencil 2, while keeping some back to keep the price $50 lower than the high-end model. Now there's the Apple Pencil Pro. Here's a comparison of the Apple Pencil Pro with USB-C, 2, and 1.
The Apple Pencil line has expanded to include four separate models. As the name suggests, the Pro model is a high-end model. But there's the Apple Pencil USB-C, which has slots between 1 and 2, as a mid-range option.
When you consider the differences between each model's compatibility and features, it takes some effort to understand what's going on. But below we will solve this problem with the help of a couple of diagrams 😁.
Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C vs 2 vs 1
Feature Comparison
This list of distinctive features and capabilities There are more to the Apple Pencil line than ever before as Apple Pencil Pro comes with exclusive features like haptic feedback, barrel roll, pinch, and Find My support.
Best comment from Blorft
And come to think of it, a lot of people were worried that the move to USB-C would confuse customers… now we have compatibility charts for three different Apple Pencil models that don't even follow a consistent naming scheme.
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Here's how it all adds up:
| Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil USB-C | Apple Pencil 1 | |
| Haptic feedback | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Barrel | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Compress | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Find | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Low latency | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tilt sensitivity | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pressure sensitivity | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Precise writing and drawing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Magnetic mount | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wireless pairing and charging | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Apple Pencil hover support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Changes to the double tool touch | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Free engraving | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
The Apple Pencil USB-C's lack of pressure sensitivity is a bummer, but Apple is undoubtedly using it as an incentive for customers to upgrade. up to Apple Pencil Pro/2.
Compatibility
Apple Pencil USB-C works with all iPads with this port, but not all iPads work with Apple Pencil Pro, 2 or 1:
| Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil USB-C | Apple Pencil 1 | |
| iPad Models | Works with iPad M4 iPad Pro or iPad Air M2 | Works with iPad Air 4/5, iPad mini 6 and iPad Pro 11″ generations 1–4, iPad Pro 12.9″ generations 3–6 | Works with all iPad models with a USB-C port. | Works with iPad 10 and 9 (USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter ). required to pair and charge iPad 10 (included) and older iPad models |
Pricing
Apple Pencil USB-C is the most affordable option at $79 ($69 for education).
| Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil USB-C | Apple Pencil 1 | |
| $ | $129 | $129 | $79 | $99 |
Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C, 2 and 1 pin
- If you buy the 2024 iPad Pro or Air, you'll need to buy an Apple Pencil Pro or USB-C model.
- However, if you have iPad with USB-C and you don't need or need all the features of the Apple Pencil 2, the Apple Pencil USB-C C is a more affordable stylus.
- The Apple Pencil USB-C is a good one an option for schools that want to use Apple's official stylus without spending $100 or more per student (assuming they have an iPad with USB-C).
- If you have an iPad Pro M2 or older than M1 Air or older, you can use Apple Pencil 2.
- What do you think? Are you excited about the Apple Pencil Pro or is the Apple Pencil USB-C or Apple Pencil 2 enough for you? Share your thoughts in the comments!