There are several iPads on the market, and they aren't all compatible with every Apple Pencil. To complicate matters further, there are four different Apple Pencils.
This table tells you which iPad models work with which Apple Pencil versions. Newer Apple Pencil models might not work with older iPads because they use different connectors for charging and pairing.
Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil USB-C | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil 1 | |
iPad | None | 10th generation (2022) | None | 6th generation (2018) and later |
iPad Air | 13-inch (M2) and 11-inch (M2) | 4th generation (2020) and later | 4th generation (2020) and later | 3rd generation (2019) |
iPad Mini | None | 6th generation (2021) | 6th generation (2021) | 5th generation (2019) |
iPad Pro (9.7-inch) | None | None | None | All models |
iPad Pro (10.5-inch) | None | None | None | All models |
iPad Pro (11-inch) | None | All models | All models | None |
iPad Pro (12.9-inch) | None | 3rd generation (2018) and later | 3rd generation (2018) and later | 1 (2015) and 2 (2017) |
iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) | All models | All models | None | None |
iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) | All models | All models | None | None |
As long as you choose the Apple Pencil compatible with your iPad, you'll probably be satisfied. Here are the differences between the four generations of Apple Pencil:
Each Apple Pencil is compatible with a different set of iPads. This is why it's important to know which Pencil works with your specific iPad. While most iPads are compatible with at least one Apple Pencil, some older devices are not.
Not only do some iPads not support the latest Apple Pencil, but some earlier iPads don't even work with the 1st-gen Pencil. The following iPads aren't compatible with any Apple Pencil:
There's no need to spend a fortune on an iPad Pro. You'll be well-served by the 8th-gen iPad. This iPad can often be found for around$200 for the base model, and it has a 10.2-inch display which provides enough space for writing or drawing. It's compatible with the$99 1st-gen Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil Not Working? Here's How to Fix It FAQTo connect a first-generation Apple Pencil to a compatible iPad, plug the Apple Pencil into the lightning port of your iPad and tapPairon the screen. To connect a second-generation Apple Pencil to a compatible iPad, attach the Apple Pencil to the side of the iPad and tap Connect on the screen.
You can only charge a second-generation Apple Pencil by attaching it to a compatible iPad. Unfortunately, there is no way to charge it externally.
If you have a second-generation Apple Pencil, attach the Apple Pencil to the paired iPad and view the battery status via the pop-up indicator. If you have a first-generation Apple Pencil, swipe down to reveal theNotificationscenter, swipe right to access theWidgetsscreen, then check theBatterywidget to see your Pencil's charge status.