Which Apple Pencil Should You Choose?
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Back in the days when Steve Jobs was still alive, he often spoke about how much he didn’t like using a stylus. “Nobody wants a stylus,” Jobs once famously quipped. Instead, you could use what you already have: your fingers.
Fast forward a few years, and now, Apple doesn’t sell one, two, or three, but four different kinds of styluses.
This change wouldn’t just upset Steve Jobs, but it’s also confusing for us, the customers. With so many choices, which one should you choose? Most importantly, which one does your iPad actually support?
Yes, it can get pretty messy, but if you’re looking to buy a new Apple Pencil or get a new iPad to match your new Apple Pencil, here’s everything you need to know.
Apple Pencil (1st Generation) | $99
This was the first Apple Pencil, and you can clearly tell it hasn’t aged well. From the way you charge it to all the limited features it comes with, it clearly is a first-generation product.
Still, the first-generation Apple Pencil is a decent choice — and may be your only choice if you have an older iPad.
Apple Pencil (1st Generation): Compatibility
The first-generation Apple Pencil supports these iPads:
- iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation) [2017–2022]
- iPad mini (5th generation) [2019]
- iPad Air (3rd generation) [2019]
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch model) [2016]
- iPad Pro (10.5-inch model) [2017]
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation) [2015 / 2017]
It’s also the only Apple Pencil that works with most of these iPads.
Apple Pencil (1st Generation): Features
As we mentioned, the first-ever Apple Pencil is pretty basic and has only a handful of features. Based on Apple’s website, the first-generation stylus comes with these features:
- Pixel-perfect precision when writing, sketching, or drawing.
- Low latency: Responds almost instantly when you use it on your iPad.
- Tilt sensitivity: You can tilt the Apple Pencil like you would a regular pencil to get shading and other effects when drawing.
- Pressure sensitivity: You can apply more pressure to your iPad’s screen to get different effects based on how deep or light your press is.
And that’s all the first-generation Apple Pencil has to offer. You can’t attach it magnetically to your iPad, it doesn’t support wireless charging, and it’s frankly an Apple Pencil you should avoid unless you have no other choice.
The only reason to pick this pencil up in 2024 is if you have an older iPad and aren’t planning to upgrade. Even so, it’s really worth considering a newer iPad to get one of Apple’s better styluses. Charging the first-gen Apple Pencil is a hassle since it still uses Lightning, and it doesn’t have many features to justify its price tag. Plus, if you’re using Apple’s 2022 10th-generation iPad, you’ll need to use a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter to charge it.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) | $79
Next on the list is the USB-C Apple Pencil, which was released in November as an alternative to the first-generation stylus and is now the second-newest model available.
Unfortunately, it’s a budget option that lacks the features of the higher-end Apple Pencil models.
Apple Pencil (USB-C): Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, the USB-C Apple Pencil has a lot to offer. You can use it with these iPads:
- iPad (10th generation) [2022]
- iPad mini (6th generation) [2021]
- iPad Air (4th and 5th generation) [2020 / 2022]
- 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation) [2018–2022]
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation) [2018–2022]
- 11-inch iPad Air (M2) [2024]
- 13-inch iPad Air (M2) [2024]
- 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) [2024]
- 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) [2024]
In addition to the right iPad, the USB-C Apple Pencil also needs iPadOS 17.1.1 or a later software update.
USB-C Apple Pencil: Features
As you can see, this iPad works with pretty much any modern iPad. It also comes with a couple more features than the first-generation Apple Pencil, but it also loses one in the exchange. Here’s the rundown from Apple:
- Pixel-perfect precision when writing, sketching, or drawing.
- Low latency: Responds almost instantly when you use it on your iPad.
- Tilt sensitivity: You can tilt the Apple Pencil like you would a regular pencil to get shading and other effects when drawing.
- Attaches magnetically to your iPad.
- Supports Apple Pencil hover: this feature lets you preview a mark on your canvas before you make it.
As you can see, the budget Apple Pencil doesn’t support the pressure sensitivity features of the first-generation Apple Pencil. Granted, that isn’t a deal breaker, but you won’t be able to add more details to your art because of it. However, the upside is more convenient USB-C charging instead of the awkward Lightning connector, and you do get hover support if you use it with one of the latest iPad Air or iPad Pro models.
But by far, the biggest downside is the lack of wireless charging. It will attach magnetically to the side of your iPad, but it won’t charge there; you’ll still have to plug the Apple Pencil into a charging cable and a power source to charge it. Luckily, you can plug the USB-C cable into your iPad and charge it that way, but that means you’ll have to carry a USB-C cable with you everywhere.
Still, this is probably the best budget option for anyone. Even though it lacks some important features, its low price makes it the perfect entry-level Apple Pencil for most people.
As long as you have a fairly modern iPad, you can make the most out of this Apple Pencil. There’s also only a single iPad model, the 2022 10th-generation iPad, where you’ll have a choice between the first-gen Apple Pencil and the USB-C version. For every other new iPad, it’s either this $79 budget stylus or one of Apple’s more premium models.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) | $129
This is the second-best Apple Pencil available, and it’s the best option unless you have a really new iPad.
Sure, this is an expensive accessory for your iPad, but professional artists and people who love to draw as a hobby will appreciate all the features it comes with.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): Compatibility
The second-generation Apple Pencil works with all of Apple’s higher-end iPads released prior to 2024. Here’s the list of iPads that support the second-generation Apple Pencil:
- iPad mini (6th generation) [2021]
- iPad Air (4th and 5th generation) [2020 / 2022]
- 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation) [2018-2022]
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation) [2018-2022]
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): Features
When it comes to features, the second-generation Apple Pencil has almost everything. We say almost because Apple introduced a newer Apple Pencil with even more a few weeks back.
Still, if you’re a professional, here are the features you get with the second-generation Apple Pencil:
- Pixel-perfect precision when writing, sketching, or drawing.
- Low latency: Responds almost instantly when you use it on your iPad.
- Tilt sensitivity: You can tilt the Apple Pencil like you would a regular pencil to get shading and other effects when drawing.
- Pressure sensitivity: You can apply more pressure to your iPad’s screen to get different effects based on how deep or light your press is.
- Attaches magnetically to your iPad.
- The Apple Pencil automatically pairs up and charges when attached to your iPad.
- Supports Apple Pencil hover: this feature lets you preview a mark on your canvas before you make it.
- Double tap: You can double-tap the flat part of the Apple Pencil to perform specific actions, like switching tools.
- Free engraving: Add any word or phrase, like your name, to your Apple Pencil for free.
As you can see, the second-generation Apple Pencil is packed with features, and it was the best stylus available up until the newest Apple Pencil on the list was released.
If you want to create incredible art or just use your iPad for work or school, this Apple Pencil is a great option. More importantly, it’s your only premium option if you have a flat-edged iPad Air or iPad Pro released before this year.
Apple Pencil Pro | $129
The Apple Pencil Pro was released in May 2024. In addition to a handful of new and useful features, it brings everything that made the second-generation Apple Pencil great, including the price. That’s right; Apple decided to keep the same price for the Pro Apple Pencil model, which is an unusual move for the company.
The reason? Well, probably because you’ll have to spend a lot more money if you want to use this Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil Pro: Compatibility
The compatibility of the Apple Pencil Pro is quite limited right now. Only the latest 2024 iPads support this new pro stylus, which is probably why the price tag is the same as the older second-generation Apple Pencil.
These are the iPads that support the new Apple Pencil Pro:
- 11-inch iPad Air (M2)
- 13-inch iPad Air (M2)
- 11-inch iPad Pro (M4)
- 13-inch iPad Pro (M4)
Apple Pencil Pro: Features
The new features are what really make the Apple Pencil Pro stand out. Besides having all the features that made the second-generation Apple Pencil a fan favorite, the Apple Pencil Pro also boasts a couple of features that both artists and people who constantly lose their stuff will appreciate.
Here are all the features the Apple Pencil Pro has to offer:
- Pixel-perfect precision when writing, sketching, or drawing.
- Low latency: Responds almost instantly when you use it on your iPad.
- Tilt sensitivity: You can tilt the Apple Pencil like you would a regular pencil to get shading and other effects when drawing.
- Pressure sensitivity: You can apply more pressure to your iPad’s screen to get different effects based on how deep or light your press is.
- Attaches magnetically to your iPad.
- The Apple Pencil automatically pairs up and charges when attached to your iPad.
- Supports Apple Pencil hover: this feature lets you preview a mark on your canvas before you make it.
- Double tap: You can double-tap the flat part of the Apple Pencil to perform specific actions, like switching tools.
- Free engraving: Add any word or phrase, like your name, to your Apple Pencil for free.
- Barrel roll: The Apple Pencil Pro has a gyroscope that detects when you rotate it, changing the orientation of the digital brush or tool you’re using.
- Squeeze: You can press both sides of the Apple Pencil Pro and “squeeze” it to open a palette that will help you do things like switch tools, change colors, or adjust the line weights.
- Find My: The Apple Pencil Pro is the only Apple Pencil that you can find with the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
As you can see, the Apple Pencil Pro comes with the most features out of the four models. Of course, to use his Apple Pencil, you need to spend $129 to buy it, plus anywhere between $599 and $1,299 to get an iPad that can actually use it.
Needless to say, most of us won’t be using this Apple Pencil any time soon. Unless you’re already planning on getting a 2024 iPad Pro or iPad Air, you’re better off with other options on the list.
How Can You Know Which iPad Model You Have
As you can see, the Apple Pencil you choose will depend heavily on the iPad you currently have. Luckily, you can check your iPad’s model by doing the following:
- Open the Settings app.
- On the left sidebar, tap on General.
- On the right side, go to About.
- Near the top of your screen, you can see which model you have next to Model Name.
Which Apple Pencil Should You Choose?
Whether you’re choosing between Apple Pencils or you want to buy the iPad that supports the Apple Pencil you want, you need to consider all the features these models have to offer.
If you have the money and you want all the features an Apple Pencil offers, your best choice will be the Apple Pencil Pro and one of the 2024 iPad Air or iPad Pro models.
However, if you don’t want to spend that much, we recommend you focus your attention on either the second-generation Apple Pencil or the USB-C Apple Pencil, with the former being the best choice.
The second-generation Apple Pencil has everything you’ll need to create amazing art, take notes for work or school, and control your iPad with a few swipes.
While the USB-C Apple Pencil is a solid choice, it doesn’t have nearly as many features. Sure, it’s more affordable, but you’ll probably be able to find the second-generation Apple Pencil at a discount, especially if you don’t mind using refurbished products.
It goes without saying, but you should try to avoid the first-generation Apple Pencil at all cost. Not only is it outdated at this point, but it won’t bring any more features than a third-party stylus. The only reason to choose it is if your iPad can’t use any of the other models available.
Get the Right Apple Pencil
In a pretty weird turn of events, there are now as many Apple Pencil models as iPhone 15 models. Whether Apple’s decision to keep so many models available is a good one is a topic for another day.
The good news is that if you have a fairly new iPad model, you can choose between the best two Apple Pencil models that your money can buy. The second-generation Apple Pencil or the USB-C Apple Pencil are the perfect options for most people.
Of course, if you’re not on a budget and are already looking to buy one of the new iPad Pro or iPad Air models, the Apple Pencil Pro is a no-brainer. While you can still opt for the USB-C version for basic note-taking, the best iPads deserve the best Apple Pencil.
