Apple Pencil buyer's guide: iPad compatibility, features, price

Apple has once again made the Apple Pencil range a little more confusing

Not only are there four discrete Apple Pencil models, each has its own list of features. It can be a little confusing to determine which one you need based on your iPad model, so let's take a moment to break down the differences.

Announced on May 7, 2024, the Apple Pencil Pro is Apple's latest addition to the lineup. The Apple Pencil Pro introduces several new features that are exclusive to the new model.

Apple Pencil Pro shows the pinch gesture in Procreate

For example, Barrel Roll allows users to rotate the barrel to change the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools. This is ideal for painting in programs like Procreate.

A new pinch feature allows many apps to open contextual menus that allow users to switch tools, line widths and colors.

The Apple Pencil Pro gets haptic feedback for the first time, allowing apps to inform users when specific actions have been registered. For example, Procreate uses haptic feedback to indicate that an object has been clicked at a precise location.

Also new to the Apple Pencil Pro is Find My support. Now you can quickly and easily find a missing Apple Pencil Pro using the Find My app on your Apple devices.

In addition to the new features, the Apple Pencil Pro retains previous features, including double-tap, Apple Pencil hover, pressure sensitivity and tilt sensitivity. Like its predecessor, it connects magnetically to compatible iPads and can be paired and charged wirelessly.

The Apple Pencil Pro costs $129the same price as the second-generation Apple Pencil, and can be financed through the Apple card.

First introduced in November 2018, the second-generation Apple Pencil was the first to use a magnetic attachment for wireless pairing and charging. This was considered a major upgrade over the first generation, which required users to charge it via the iPad's Lightning port.

Second generation Apple Pencil

This Apple Pencil is tilt and pressure sensitive, has the double-tap function and supports Apple Pencil Hover on M2 iPad Pro and iPad Air models.

When purchased from Apple, the second generation Apple Pencil costs $129 and can be financed with Apple Card.

• 12.9-inch iPad Prothird generation to sixth generation
• 11-inch iPad Pro, first generation through fourth generation
• iPad Air, fourth and fifth generations
• iPad Minisixth generation

Apple released the Apple Pencil USB-C in November 2023, bringing the device into compliance with European Union laws requiring port standardization for rechargeable devices.

Functionally, it falls somewhere between the original Apple Pencil and the second-generation Apple Pencil. While it can connect magnetically to an iPad, it can't pair and charge wirelessly. Charging must be done via the included USB-C port.

A sliding cover reveals a USB-C charging port

It supports the Apple Pencil hover gesture on M2 iPad Pro and iPad Air models. It also supports tilt sensitivity.

Interestingly enough, the Apple Pencil USB-C does not support pressure sensitivity, which is supported even on the first generation Apple Pencil. This makes it less ideal for artists.

The Apple Pencil USB-C is available for $79 and can be financed with the Apple Card when purchased through Apple.

• 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, third generation through sixth generation
• 11-inch iPad Pro, first generation through fourth generation
• iPad Air, fourth and fifth generations
• iPad mini, sixth generation
• iPad, tenth generation

The original Apple Pencil, largely an older model, with a now limited lifespan, was introduced in 2015. It features a female Lightning connector that is used to charge and pair compatible iPad models. It also has a completely round design, while all newer Apple Pencil models have a flattened side to prevent them from rolling off flat surfaces.

First generation Apple PencilFirst generation Apple PencilFirst generation Apple Pencil

It does not support Apple Pencil hover, as it is not compatible with M2 iPad Air and iPad Pro models. It also doesn't connect magnetically to an iPad.

However, it features tilt and pressure sensitivity, making it a better option for iPad artists who haven't switched to a model that supports the second-generation Apple Pencil.

The first generation Apple Pencil still costs $99, same as the introductory price, and can be financed with Apple Card.

• 12.9-inch iPad Pro, first and second generation
• 10.5-inch iPad Pro
• 9.7-inch iPad Pro
• iPad Air, third generation
• iPad mini, fifth generation
• iPad, sixth through ninth generation, tenth generation with adapter