In addition to the Apple Pencil first and second generation, Apple also sells the brand new Apple Pencil Pro and a more affordable Apple Pencil with USB-C. With four models, it may be difficult for the user to choose, so we list the differences for you.
The Apple Pencil is pixel-perfect, lightning-fast, and tilt-sensitive, making it ideal for taking notes, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more. The main differences are in the way it charges and pairs, but pressure sensitivity and looks are also on the agenda.
Apple Pencil for iPad
The Apple Pencil was developed by Apple for the iPad and is more than a stylus. For example, you can use the Pencil to sketch and annotate with pixel-precision. The pen is super fast and also tilt-sensitive so that you have a greater range when you hold the tip at an angle. Some models are also pressure-sensitive and you can magnetically click the Pencil onto the side of the iPad.
The first generation Pencil is round and has a glossy finish, which makes it roll off the table. The Apple Pencil 2nd generation and with USB have a matte finish and have a flat notch. This allows you to magnetically click it onto the side of the iPad and makes it harder to roll off the table. Handy!
Differences between Apple Pencil models
In the table below you can see the differences between the three Apple Pencil models. This way you can see at a glance which functions a certain stylus has. The Apple Pencil second generation is the most complete of the three and has all the functions, except for a hidden USB-C port, but you don’t need that either.
iPad Support Apple Pencil
Which Apple Pencil can you use on which iPad? In short, all iPads with USB-C support the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C. The Apple Pencil 1st generation can be used on various iPad models with a lightning port and the 10th generation iPad (provided you use the USB-C adapter).
- Apple Pencil Pro: 13-inch iPad Pro with M4 chip, 11-inch iPad Pro with M4 chip, 11-inch iPad Air with M2 chip, 13-inch iPad Air with M2 chip or newer
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation): 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation or newer, 11-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 4th generation or newer and iPad mini 6th generation.
- Apple Pencil (USB-C): 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation or newer, 11-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 4th generation or newer, iPad mini 6th generation and iPad 10th generation.
- Apple Pencil (1st generation): 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st and 2nd generation, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad mini 5th generation, iPad 6th generation or newer.
In this support document from Apple you can check the support for the Apple Pencil in detail.
Charging Apple Pencil
How to charge the Apple Pencil depends on the model. For example, you can easily charge the 2nd generation Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro by attaching it to the side of the iPad. This is then also immediately connected to the iPad, so you can easily switch between iPads.
The Apple Pencil with USB-C has a sliding cap with a USB-C port underneath, so the new Apple Pencil can be paired and charged with a USB-C cable. Once magnetically attached to iPad, the new Apple Pencil goes to sleep to maximize battery life.
The first generation Apple Pencil features a lightning connector that you can access by removing the cap on the back. You can then plug the lightning connector into the lightning port on your iPad to charge or pair it. Alternatively, you can use the connector to connect a charging cable directly to the Pencil.