Everything you need to know about Apple Pencil and iPad

This stylus has a simple appearance, but it has a 'sky of features' and convenience when paired with an iPad.

However, not all iPad models on the market today can connect with Apple Pencil. And vice versa, not all versions of Apple Pencils can be compatible with the same iPad model. Here are answers to familiar questions you need to know about using and pairing Apple Pencil and iPad.

Everything you need to know about Apple Pencil and iPad

Compatibility between Apple Pencil and iPad

Currently (July 2021), Apple has released two versions of Apple Pencil (first and second generation). However, the iPad compatibility of these two Apple Pencil sessions will also be slightly different. If you are looking to buy Apple Pencil to use with your iPad, please refer to the table below to get the most reasonable choice:

Everything you need to know about Apple Pencil and iPad Picture 1

A few key notes about Apple Pencil

As mentioned above, there are two generations of Apple Pencil. They will be slightly different in appearance and charging, but basically have the same way of working. Apple Pencil works much more accurately than conventional styluses, due to the built-in current pressure and tilt sensing system. It can reproduce your handwriting with great accuracy, as well as making it easier to draw complex shapes on touch screens.

Notably, Apple Pencil has great application support, especially with software developed by Apple. With iPadOS 14 and later, you can handwrite with Apple Pencil in any text field on the operating system, and convert handwriting to text as needed.

What is the difference between generations of Apple Pencil?

Here are the main differences between the two generations of Apple Pencil that you need to keep in mind:

Apple Pencil 1:

Apple Pencil 1 is made of shiny white plastic. The body of the pen is beveled and completely smooth, so it is easy to roll off the desk if you are not paying attention. The lid that looks like an "eraser" at the end of the pen is the area where the lightning charging port is located. To charge Apple Pencil 1, you need to pull out the cover and plug the end of the pen into the charging port of the iPad.

Everything you need to know about Apple Pencil and iPad Picture 2

(Note: It takes about 15 minutes to fully charge the Apple Pencil).

Apple Pencil 2:

Apple Pencil 2 is made of matte white plastic. The pen body is not completely rounded but has a narrow flat surface to prevent rolling. In particular, the Apple Pencil 2 is charged wirelessly by attaching to the magnetic connection area on the side of the iPad, while adding a feature called Double-Tap. By double-tapping the area near the tip of the pen, you can return to the writing tool you used last time, switch between the current writing tool and eraser, or display the palette. You can change how the Double-Tap feature works in the Settings app.

Does Apple Pencils work on all iPads?

As mentioned, the two generations of Apple Pencil will be compatible with different iPad models. So it's important that you choose the right version for your device. In particular, some iPad models that are too deep may not support Apple Pencil.

Which iPad models are compatible with the new Apple Pencil?

If you want to use the new Double-Tap feature, you'll need an iPad compatible with Apple Pencil 2. Second-generation Pencil is compatible with the following devices: iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later) and 11-inch iPad Pro.

Which iPad models are compatible with the original Apple Pencil?

First-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with several older iPad models, including iPad (6th, 7th, and 8th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad 12.9-inch Pro (1st and 2nd Generations), 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Everything you need to know about Apple Pencil and iPad Picture 3

Which iPads are not compatible with Apple Pencil?

The following iPad models will not be compatible with Apple Pencils: iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, iPad (5th generation), iPad Air (1st generation), and iPad Air 2.

Which is the cheapest iPad model that can work with Apple Pencil?

If you still want to experience the Apple Pencil while having a tight budget, the 8th generation iPad is probably the cheapest model on the market today. In addition, the device's 10.2-inch screen will also ensure to give you enough space to write or draw with the pen.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 16 July 2021