Apple now offers four different Apple Pencil models at $79, $99, and $129 price points, each with different feature sets and compatibility. Our guide helps you decide which Apple Pencil is best for you.
Which Apple Pencil you should buy is firstly determined by which iPad model you have. Some iPad models are only compatible with one kind of Apple Pencil, while others are compatible with two. If your iPad model only supports one kind of Apple Pencil, your buying decision is straightforward. Use the table below to find out which Apple Pencil models 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-inch (first- and second-generation) | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third-, fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation) | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third-, fourth-, fifth-, sixth-, and seventh- generation) | 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-generation) | iPad (tenth-generation) |
Simply put, if your iPad features a Lightning connector, it is only compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, providing it has Apple Pencil support at all. It will not work with the second-generation Apple Pencil or the Apple Pencil with USB-C. If your iPad features a USB-C port, it is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Apple Pencil with USB-C, except the tenth-generation iPad, which supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil with USB-C, and the M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro, which support the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C.
It is worth noting that the first-generation Apple Pencil is only compatible with the tenth-generation iPad using a USB-C cable and USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. It is not possible to use the first-generation Apple Pencil this way with any other iPad model that has a USB-C port.
All four Apple Pencil models feature "pixel-perfect" precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, but feature different designs, pairing and charging methods, pressure sensitivity capabilities, and more. The below table lists all hardware and feature differences between the different Apple Pencil models.
| Apple Pencil (first-generation, 2015) | Apple Pencil (second-generation, 2018) | Apple Pencil (USB-C, 2023) | Apple Pencil Pro (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glossy finish | Matte finish | Matte finish | Matte finish |
| Weighted to prevent rolling | Flat edge to prevent rolling and snap to the side of an iPad | Flat edge to prevent rolling and snap to the side of an iPad | Flat edge to prevent rolling and snap to the side of an iPad |
| Attaches magnetically for storage, pairing, and charging | Attaches magnetically for storage | Attaches magnetically for storage, pairing, and charging | |
| 6.92-inch length | 6.53-inch length | 6.1-inch length | 6.53-inch length |
| Removable cap | Non-removable sliding cap | ||
| Lightning connector | USB-C port | ||
| Pair and charge via Lightning port or USB-C cable and USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter | Pair and charge wirelessly | Pair and charge via USB-C cable | Pair and charge wirelessly |
| Pressure sensitivity | Pressure sensitivity | Pressure sensitivity | |
| Barrel roll | |||
| Double-tap to change tools | Double-tap to change tools | ||
| Squeeze control | |||
| Haptic feedback | |||
| Find My support | |||
| Free engraving option | Free engraving option | ||
| $99 | $129 | $79 | $129 |
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First-Generation Apple Pencil vs. Apple Pencil With USB-C
Most users should choose the Apple Pencil with USB-C. For a price of just $79, the Apple Pencil with USB-C provides a good balance of features with a more modern design. It also has the added advantage of being compatible with a wide range of models and will likely work with all new iPad models for many years to come.
It is only worth opting for the first-generation Apple Pencil if you specifically want pressure-sensitivity for activities like illustration, since the Apple Pencil with USB-C does not have this feature. Buyers should be aware that this model comes at a $20 premium, requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter with the tenth-generation iPad, and will not be compatible with any future iPad models. It also cannot be magnetically attached to an iPad for storage, features a larger and older design, and has a removable cap over the Lightning connector that's easy to lose.
Second-Generation Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil With USB-C
If choosing between the second-generation Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil with USB-C, the second-generation and Pro models are a better choice on account of their superior feature set, but this requires spending an additional $50. Double-tap to change tools and pressure-sensitivity may be particularly useful additions for illustrators, while the easy pairing and charging on the side of an iPad provides a much better experience than a wired connection with a USB-C cable.
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Article Link: Apple Pencil Buyer's Guide: Which Model Should You Choose?
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