Thinking of getting an Apple Pencil? Here’s everything you need to know before you decide which Apple Pencil to buy for your iPad.
In May 2024, Apple unveiled the latest generation of its Pencil stylus for iPad—Apple Pencil Pro. It’s essentially a replacement for the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, made to support only the newest iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4) models, and with similar design but several new features.
That means Apple now has four products all named “Apple Pencil,” but two of them are essentially only for products no longer sold as new, but rather only for legacy models.
If you want to save money, consider alternative styluses for your iPad. Read our round-up of the best stylus for iPad, iPad Air, Pro, and mini.Which Apple Pencil: Specs
Before we look at the differences between the three Apple Pencil models, here’s a brief breakdown of their technical specifications:Which Apple Pencil: Price
The prices for each Apple Pencil vary by features and compatibility. The most expensive options are the Apple Pencil Pro and the second-gen Apple Pencil, which are both $129/$129. The cheapest is the Apple Pencil with USB-C at $79/£79. Apple Pencil (1st generation)
The first Apple Pencil was launched in September 2015. Apple sells it for $99/£99/€119. It works with the current 10th generation iPad as well as a number of older iPad models. To charge you plug it into your iPad’s Lightning port, so you can’t use it when charging. It is pressure-sensitive, which is good if you are an artist. We suspect that Apple will soon remove this Pencil from the lineup. Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
This is the best Apple Pencil for those that do not have the very latest iPad Air or Pro. It launched in 2018 and Apple sells it for $129/£129. It works with recent iPad Air, mini, and Pro, but not the 10th gen iPad or the M2 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro. This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly. We suspect that Apple will soon remove this Pencil from the lineup. Apple Pencil (USB-C)
This Apple Pencil was launched in 2023 to support iPads with USB-C charging ports instead of the older Lightning port. It lacks many of the features of the 2nd generation model, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking newer means better. But it is cheaper at $79/£79. This is essentially a Pencil with a USB-C port. It lacks pressure sensitivity, which even the 1st gen model has. It doesn’t work with the 9th gen iPad or the earliest iPad Pros. Apple Pencil Pro
This is the best Apple Pencil, as long as you have a compatible iPad. Apple sells it for $129/£129. It works with the most recent iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4). This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly, and has all of the features of 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and several more, like haptic feedback, Find My support, and support for rolling and squeeze gestures.Which Apple Pencil: Design
There’s not exactly a lot of room for flamboyant designs or new aesthetics when it comes to something as form-dependent as a stylus.
