You may want to buy an Apple Pencil, and you may wonder if it can work with your iPad Pro, iPad Air or iPad mini. You may also want to know which Apple Pencil models are compatible with which iPad models.
You may want to buy a new Apple Pencil for a variety of reasons. An Apple Pencil can let you transform your iPad into an essential creative tool and can significantly improve your experience. You may want to use it for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more. There are three Apple Pencils. The $99 Apple Pencil (1st Generation) was introduced in 2015 and updated in 2018. The $129 Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) was released in 2021. Finally, the $79 Apple Pencil (USB-C) was released in October 2023. Not all iPad models are compatible with Apple Pencil because some of them lack the screen hardware that is required for Apple Pencil to interact with the iPad. Thus, you should do your research before deciding to get an Apple Pencil.
Which iPads Work With the Apple Pencil?
iPad models that support Apple Pencil 1st generation
Apple Pencil 1 was released on September 9, 2015. You can use Apple Pencil 1 with these iPad models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 2nd generation and 1st generation
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad Air: 3rd generation
- iPad: 9th generation, 8th generation, 7th generation, 6th generation
- iPad mini: 5th generation
iPad models that support Apple Pencil 2nd generation
Apple Pencil 2 was released on October 30, 2018. You can use Apple Pencil 2 with the following iPad models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 5th generation, 4th generation, 3rd generation
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 3rd generation, 2nd generation, 1st generation
- iPad Air: 5th generation, 4th generation
- iPad mini: 6th generation
iPad models that support Apple Pencil USV-C
Apple Pencil USB-C was released on October 17, 2023. You can use Apple Pencil USB-C with the following iPad models:
- iPad: 10th generation
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 6th generation, 5th generation, 4th generation, 3rd generation
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 3rd generation, 2nd generation, 1st generation
- iPad Air: 5th generation, 4th generation
- iPad mini: 6th generation
What’s the Difference Between Apple Pencils?
As long as you choose the Apple Pencil compatible with your iPad, you’ll probably be satisfied. Here are the differences between the three Apple Pencil models.
Apple Pencil (1st gen)
From the tip to the end cap, the 1st Gen Pencil measures 6.92 inches long, 0.35 inches thick, and weighs 0.73 ounces. It’s perfectly round and made from a glossy (slippery) plastic material, which means it’s not the easiest to hold and use and has a habit of rolling off desks and tables.
Apple Pencil ()2nd gen
The 2nd Gen Pencil is a little shorter but otherwise the same at 6.73 by 0.35 inches and 0.73 ounces. It has one flat side to assist with usability and is made from a matte plastic material. It’s nicely balanced and feels good in the hand.
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Last, the Apple Pencil USB-C is the shortest and lightest of the three at 6.52 inches by 0.35 inches and 0.72 ounces. It has the same basic design as the 2nd Gen Pencil, meaning it has one flat side, a matte finish, and is similarly comfortable to hold and use.
All three include the same replaceable tip and are compatible with third-party tips.
Do Apple Pencils Work on All iPads?
The three Apple Pencil models are each compatible with different devices, so it’s important to choose the one that works with your device. While most iPads on the market are compatible with one of the Apple Pencils, some older devices are not.
Which iPads Are Not Compatible With the Apple Pencil?
The following iPads are not compatible with non of the Apple Pencils: iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, the iPad (5th generation), the iPad Air (1st generation), and iPad Air 2.
Why some iPads do not support Apple Pencil
As already mentioned, older iPad models will not support an Apple Pencil because they lack the crucial and necessary hardware needed for a Pencil to be recognized by an iPad’s screen. If they lack the internal screen elements, Apple Pencil won’t properly function and interact with an iPad’s screen. A lot of iPad models were introduced before the introduction of the Pencil. When they were designed and produced, there were no design concerns about making them compatible with the future, yet-to-be-released stylus. However, Apple is now making sure that new iPads contain the required technological power to support the different models of Apple Pencil.
How Can I Tell Which iPad I Have?
Before you buy an Apple Pencil, make sure to check which model your iPad is. If you are not sure which model iPad you have, go to Settings > General > About> Model Name to find out.
What Is the Cheapest iPad That Works With Apple Pencil?
If you want to switch to digital note-taking this semester, there’s no need to spend a fortune on an iPad Pro. You’ll be well-served by the 8th-generation iPad. This iPad, as of publication, costs $329 for the base model, and it has a 10.2-inch display which provides enough space for writing or drawing. It’s compatible with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil, which costs $99.
