Apple recently introduced the Apple Pencil (USB-C), making it even more confusing to pick a stylus for your iPad. With three models of the Apple Pencil now available, each with a different price, it can be hard to figure out which one is the best for you. We're here to sort out the differences between them and help you make a decision.
What Are the Three Apple Pencils?
There are three Apple Pencils. The $99 Apple Pencil (1st Generation) was introduced in 2015 and updated in 2018. The $129 Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) was released in 2021. Finally, the $79 Apple Pencil (USB-C) arrived in November 2023. All three are available for sale and have different features and functionality.
Get the Best Price on Any Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil (1st Generation) Review
4.0 ExcellentApple Pencil (2nd Generation) Review
5.0 ExemplaryApple Pencil (USB-C) Review
4.0 ExcellentHow Big Is the Apple Pencil?
The Apple Pencils are close in their dimensions, but not exactly the same.
From the tip to the end cap, the 1st Gen Pencil measures 6.92 inches long, 0.35 inches thick, and weighs 0.73 ounces. It's perfectly round and made from a glossy (slippery) plastic material, which means it's not the easiest to hold and use and has a habit of rolling off desks and tables.
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) (Credit: Eric Zeman)The 2nd Gen Pencil is a little shorter but otherwise the same at 6.73 by 0.35 inches and 0.73 ounces. It has one flat side to assist with usability and is made from a matte plastic material. It's nicely balanced and feels good in the hand.
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) (Credit: Eric Zeman)Last, the Apple Pencil USB-C is the shortest and lightest of the three at 6.52 inches by 0.35 inches and 0.72 ounces. It has the same basic design as the 2nd Gen Pencil, meaning it has one flat side, a matte finish, and is similarly comfortable to hold and use.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) (Credit: Eric Zeman)All three include the same replaceable tip and are compatible with third-party tips.
Which iPad Does the Apple Pencil Support?
Not every Apple Pencil works with every iPad. For starters, if you have an iPad made before 2015, it isn't supported. Only models that debuted after that date work with Apple's stylus. Here's a rundown of which iPad each Pencil works with:
Apple Pencil (Generation 1)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st and 2nd generation
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPad Air 3rd generation
iPad mini 5th generation
iPad 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation
Apple Pencil (Generation 2)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation
iPad Pro 11-inch 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation
iPad Air 4th and 5th generation
iPad mini 6th generation
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation
iPad Pro 11-inch 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation
iPad Air 4th and 5th generation
iPad mini 6th generation
iPad 10th generation
How Does the Apple Pencil Charge?
Each Apple Pencil charges differently. Two of the Pencils have to be plugged in to charge, while one can charge via induction.
The 1st Gen Apple Pencil features a built-in male Lightning stem hiding under the end cap. You can plug the Pencil directly into a Lightning-equipped iPad to charge it, or use the included double reverse adapter to charge via Lightning cable. Both the end cap and adapter are small and frustratingly easy to lose, which means you may end up charging via iPad quite a bit. To say that charging the Pencil via iPad is awkward is an understatement.
The 1st Gen Pencil charges via Lightning (Credit: Eric Zeman)The 2nd Gen Pencil offers a much better charging experience. The stylus sticks onto the flat edge of supported iPads magnetically and charges. It's convenient because it helps you keep track of the Pencil while charging it at the same time. Moreover, charging the Pencil while it is stowed means it's nearly always charged when you need it.
The 2nd Gen Pencil charges via magnetic induction (Credit: Eric Zeman)We'll give you one guess to figure out how the Apple Pencil (USB-C) charges. Yep, you have to plug it into a USB-C cable. The charging port is hidden under a sliding end cap that is (thankfully) permanently attached to the stylus. You have to plug the USB-C-to-USB-C cable into your iPad at least once for the initial pairing to take place. After that, you can charge it via any power brick.
The Apple Pencil USB-C charges via USB-C cable (Credit: Eric Zeman)All of the Apple Pencils connect to the iPad via Bluetooth. Battery life varies based on use.
What Can the Apple Pencil Do?
The three Apple Pencils have a variety of features. Be sure to pick the stylus that most closely matches your particular needs.
All three Pencils support three core features: pixel-level precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity. These allow you to write or sketch with incredible accuracy, experience a pencil-like immediacy to your input, and take advantage of shading and other effects by tipping the Pencil to and fro.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) (Credit: Eric Zeman)Both the 1st and 2nd Generation Pencils support pressure sensitivity. Each can measure 4,096 levels of pressure to allow for a more natural writing and drawing experience. This is critical for artists. The 1st Generation Pencil stops here, however; these are the only features it supports.
The 2nd Gen pencil is the most feature-rich of the three. It adds magnetic attachment, wireless pairing and charging, Hover on the iPad Pro, double-tap to change writing tools, and includes free engraving for personalization (when ordered directly from Apple). The Hover tool is useful, as it allows you to see exactly where the Pencil will mark the screen before you touch the tip to the glass. Further, the tool-swapping function is clutch if you want or need to quickly jump from a pencil to an eraser, highlighter, or marker.
The USB-C Pencil supports Hover, but lacks a few of the other advanced features, including pressure sensitivity, magnetic pairing and charging, double-tap, and free engraving.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) (Credit: Eric Zeman)All three Apple Pencils enhance creativity apps such as Evernote, GarageBand, Illustrator, iMovie, Photoshop, and Procreate, and are compatible with nearly all iPad apps when it comes to basic input and functionality.
Which Apple Pencil Is Right for You?
Based on its price and feature set, the $79 Apple Pencil USB-C is best for beginners or kids who want simple stylus functionality with writing and basic drawing features.
Top to bottom: USB-C, 2nd Gen, 1st Gen (Credit: Eric Zeman)The $99 1st Gen Pencil adds one important feature—pressure sensitivity—but it isn't as comfortable to hold, use, or charge and is mostly compatible with aging iPads.
The $129 2nd Gen Pencil is by far the most feature-rich and offers the most rewarding overall experience, but it costs the most. For artists in particular, this is the best option.