Navigating the Apple Pencil Lineup: Which Model Works Best for Your iPad?

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

Overview

Apple now offers four distinct models of the Apple Pencil: the Apple Pencil Pro, the second-generation Apple Pencil, the Apple Pencil USB-C, and the first-generation Apple Pencil. Each model has its own set of features and compatibility with different iPad models.

Apple Pencil Pro

• Features: Barrel roll for tool orientation, squeeze gesture for contextual menus, haptic feedback, Find My support, double tap, hover, pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity.
• Compatibility: M4 13-inch iPad Pro, M4 11-inch iPad Pro, M2 13-inch iPad Air, M2 11-inch iPad Air.
• Price: $129 (financable with Apple Card).

Second-Generation Apple Pencil

• Features: Magnetic attachment for wireless pairing and charging, tilt and pressure sensitivity, double tap, hover support on M2 models.
• Compatibility: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd to 6th gen), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st to 4th gen), iPad Air (4th and 5th gen), iPad mini (6th gen).
• Price: $129 (financable with Apple Card, discounted to $79 on Amazon).

Apple Pencil USB-C

• Features: Magnetic attachment but no wireless charging, hover support on M2 models, tilt sensitivity, lacks pressure sensitivity.
• 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 (3rd to 6th gen), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st to 4th gen), iPad Air (4th and 5th gen), iPad mini (6th gen), iPad (10th gen), 2025 iPad.
• Price: $79 (financable with Apple Card, discounted on Amazon).

First-Generation Apple Pencil

• Features: Lightning connector for charging and pairing, no magnetic attachment or hover support, tilt and pressure sensitivity.
• Compatibility: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd gen), 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen), iPad (6th to 9th gen, 10th gen with adapter), 2025 iPad (with adapter).
• Price: $99 (financable with Apple Card, discounted to $79 on Amazon).