Apple Pencil compatibility with iPads varies widely among the four Apple Pencil models and the many compatible tablet generations.
Since 2015, Apple has released four different models of the Apple Pencil, and not every Apple Pencil works with every iPad. This guide shows you which Apple Pencils are compatible with which iPads and vice versa.
The new Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with iPads released in 2024. The recent Apple Pencil (USB-C) also works with 2024 iPads and is backward compatible with every iPad supported by the Apple Pencil (2nd generation).
Released in 2015, the original Apple Pencil is compatible mostly with discontinued iPad models. It supports the 10th-generation standard iPad, our top pick for the best iPad, but requires an adapter to charge.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of Apple Pencil compatibility, listing Apple Pencil models in descending order of release with their respective compatible iPads.Apple Pencil Pro, released in 2024
The latest Apple Pencil model, the Apple Pencil Pro, is only compatible with the following new tablets:
iPad Pro 11- and 13-inch 2024 (M4)
iPad Air 11- and 13-inch 2024 (M2)
iPad Mini 2024 (A17 Pro)Apple Pencil (USB-C), released in 2023
The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is compatible with more iPads than any other Apple stylus, including tablets that date back to 2018:
iPad Pro 11 and 13-inch 2024 (M4)
iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 (1st gen), 2020 (2nd gen), 2021 (3rd gen), 2022 (4th gen)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2018 (3rd gen), 2020 (4th gen), 2021 (5th gen), 2022 (6th gen)
iPad Air 11 and 13-inch 2024 (M2)
iPad Air 2020 (4th gen), 2022 (5th gen)
iPad 2022 (10th gen)
iPad Mini 2024 (A17 Pro)
iPad Mini 2021 (6th gen)Apple Pencil (2nd generation), released in 2018
The Apple Pencil (2nd generation), incompatible with any 2024 iPad model, only supports the following previous-generation tablets:
iPad Mini 2021 (6th gen)
iPad Air 2020 (4th gen), 2022 (5th gen)
iPad Pro 12.
