They currently coexist in the Apple catalog four models of Apple Pencil, each with its particularities and not all of them are compatible with all iPad models, in addition to having different prices. Which Apple Pencil am I most interested in for my iPad? We will explain everything to you.
The Apple Pencil has become an indispensable tool for the iPad. What started as a tool that seemed intended for very professional uses like graphic design is now an essential for almost every iPad owner. The system itself offers plenty of tools for the Apple Pencil, and third-party apps have managed to implement features that turn something as basic as note-taking into an advanced tool with very interesting options, such as scanning handwritten text into typed text. But over the years the Apple Pencil has been renewed and now we have four models of Apple Pencil, which generates a lot of confusion for any user who is thinking about buying one.
Apple Pencil 1st generation
It is the first model launched by Apple and it should remain in the company’s catalog for a short time now that there is no iPad with Lightning connection, but for now it remains there because there is still has many iPad users with this connection. It has a plug on the opposite end of the tip where the Lightning connector is hidden, which is used to charge the device and connect it to the iPad the first time you connect it. This is why it is only compatible with iPads with a Lightning connection, with the sole exception of the iPad 10, which has a USB-C connection but for which there is a Lightning/USB adapter -C which is purchased separately.
It has a pressure and tilt sensor, so it perfectly simulates a conventional pen or pencil and makes it perfect for creating shadows or writing. Its price is 119$ and is compatible with:
- iPad Pro 12.9″ 1st and 2nd generation
- iPad Pro 10.5″ and 9.7″
- iPad Air 3rd generation
- iPad 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th generation
- iPad mini 5th generation
If your iPad has a Lightning connection, you have no other alternative, it’s the only one that will work with your tablet. In the case of iPad 10 users, the only ones who can choose, I would never opt for this option, because as I indicated previously, it will probably disappear from the catalog soon and its price is higher than the other alternatives .
Apple Pencil 2nd generation
This was the first Apple Pencil with wireless charging released by Apple. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad, allowing it to dock, and charges in the same way., using the tablet battery. It has the same functions as the original model, with pressure and tilt sensors, and also incorporates a new function that allows you to change the drawing tool by pressing twice on the part closest to the tip. Additionally, they recently added a new feature which is the stroke preview when you move it closer to the iPad screen, which Apple called “floating pointer”.
With a price of 149 $ it would not be advisable to buy because the new Apple Pencil Pro costs the same and it’s much more advanced, but compatibility with your iPad model is what will decide if you should buy it:
- iPad Pro 12.9″ 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generation
- iPad Pro 11″ 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation
- iPad Air 4th and 5th generation
- iPad mini 6th generation
None of these models are compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro, so you are forced to pay the same price for a “worse” Apple Pencil, But that’s what it is. The only alternative you have is to buy the cheapest USB-C model but lose features.
Apple Pencil USB-C
European regulations aimed at unifying charging ports forced Apple to launch a new Apple Pencil with a USB-C port, which, being more modern than the 2nd generation model, has fewer features, but is also cheaper. The design is very similar, it even attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad, but there is no wireless charging, so to recharge it you have to discover the USB-C port at the opposite end of the tip, something that also serves to connect it to the iPad. It has a tilt sensor and a “floating pointer” but it does not have a pressure sensor.
It’s the cheapest Apple Pencil, with a price of 89$and here you can choose, because there are many models compatible with it and other Apple Pencils:
- iPad Pro 11″ and 13″ M4 (2024)
- iPad Air 11″ and 13″ M2 (2024)
- iPad Pro 12.9″ 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generation
- iPad Pro 11″ 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation
- iPad Air 4th and 5th generation
- iPad mini 6th generation
- iPad 10th generation
Apple Pencil Pro
The latest model launched by Apple is in fact not yet available (until May 15, 2024). This is the most advanced model, with all the features that the 2nd generation Apple Pencil has, including wireless charging and magnetic attachment to the iPad, pressure and tilt sensor, “floating pointer” and double tap. But Apple has also now equipped it with a gyroscope so the iPad knows if you rotate it and changes the way you write or draw, a pressure sensor to display a toolbar that allows you to change the type of pencil, line or color, and It is also compatible with the Search application, in case you lose it. A new haptic motor will vibrate your fingers when you use a pen function, like a press or double tap.
Its price is $149 and it is only compatible with the latest models launched by Apple:
- iPad Pro 11″ and 13″ M4 (2024)
- iPad Air 11″ and 13″ M2 (2024)
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