Last Updated on July 27, 2023 by Ernests Embutnieks
If you don’t buy Apple Pencil with your iPad, you’re not taking full advantage of the device. I personally am not a big artist, but nevertheless, I enjoy that I have an Apple Pencil. I take notes regularly and I play some drawing games here and there.
What about Apple Pencil Compatibility? There are multiple variants of iPads – Classic iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. The tricky part is that not all iPads are compatible with Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2.
So let’s cover which iPad works with which Apple Pencil so there is no misunderstanding, and there is no money wasted.
Apple Pencil 1 Compatibility – Table
| Model | Release Date | Apple Pencil 1 Compatibility: |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch (1st gen) | November 11, 2015 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st gen) | November 11, 2015 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2nd gen) | June 13, 2017 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen) | June 13, 2017 | Yes |
| iPad (6th gen) | March 27, 2018 | Yes |
| iPad Air (3rd gen) | March 18, 2019 | Yes |
| iPad Mini (5th gen) | March 18, 2019 | Yes |
| iPad (7th gen) | September 25, 2019 | Yes |
| iPad (8th gen) | September 15, 2020 | Yes |
| iPad (9th gen) | September 14, 2021 | Yes |
| iPad (10th gen) | October 26, 2022 | Yes |
All of these iPad will be compatible with Apple Pencil 1, but there’s a thing you need to know in case you have the newest iPad 10th generation.
Apple Pencil 1 is charged through the Lightning port. All classic iPad from Gen 1 to Gen 9 had a lightning port, but iPad 10th Gen has a USB-C port, and you won’t be able to charge it.
I don’t think Apple thought this through. You will need to buy an Adapter in order to charge your Apple Pencil Gen 1.
Adapter that will charge your Apple Pencil 1
Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility – Table
| Model | Release Date | Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility: |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen) | November 7, 2018 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen) | November 7, 2018 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd gen) | March 25, 2020 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen) | March 25, 2020 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen) | May 24, 2021 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th gen) | May 24, 2021 | Yes |
| iPad Air (4th gen) | October 23, 2020 | Yes |
| iPad Air (5th gen) | March 18, 2022 | Yes |
| iPad Mini (6th gen) | September 24, 2021 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen) | October 26, 2022 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th gen) | October 26, 2022 | Yes |
With Apple Pencil 2, it’s a bit easier. It’s obviously an updated version of Apple Pencil 1, and it has magnetic charging. You attach it to the iPad, and it’s charging. I personally use iPad Pro and Apple Pencil 2, and I have never even thought about their battery life. It’s always attached to my iPad, and I have a feeling that it doesn’t even need to be charged.
What iPad Do I Have?
Before you buy the right Apple Pencil you need to identify your iPad Model.
If you don’t know which iPad model you have, here are the steps you need to take in order to find out:
- Settings
- General
- About
- Model Name
When Was Apple Pencil Released(1st & 2nd Gen)?
Apple Pencil was released in 2015, November & Apple Pencil 2 was released in 2018, November along with the new iPad Pro models, with slight improvements and a new design.
Apple Pencil 2 was released to improve the original model. The biggest improvement was the wireless charging double tap for tool changing, and the design was upgraded as well to make it more modern and intuitive, and arguable the newer design has a better grip. It’s also more durable and more resistant to drops.
FAQ
Do Apple pencils work on iPhones?
Apple Pencils do not work with iPhones. Apple Pencils are designed specifically for use with iPads and certain iPad Pro models.
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