The Apple Pencil is a stylus designed to work with iPads, but different generations of the product work with different iPad models, making it important for users to check their device compatibility before purchasing one. The first-generation Apple Pencil was introduced in 2015 alongside the iPad Pro. It was designed for drawing, sketching, and taking notes, and also required the iPad Pro's touchscreen display to be redesigned for reduced latency and more accurate input.
The Apple Pencil 2 was launched in 2018 and brought several improvements over its predecessor. For starters, it got rid of the Lightning charging port and attaches magnetically to the side of a compatible iPad, allowing for easy storage and wireless charging. The newer Apple Pencil also supports a double-tap feature, which can be set up to switch between drawing and erasing, switching to the last-used tool, or bringing up the color palette. A small but useful design change is a flat edge, which prevents the Apple Pencil from rolling away when placed on a flat surface.
Both Apple Pencils are designed to work with various iPad lineups, including the regular, mini, Air, and Pro models. As expected, the first-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with older iPad models. Among the standard iPads, the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth-generation models are supported. It also works with the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (both first and second-generation models). The third-generation iPad Air and fifth-generation iPad mini are supported as well. iPad models that don't work with the Apple Pencil include the iPad mini fourth-generation and earlier, iPad fifth-generation and earlier, and first and second-generation iPad Air.
Apple Pencil 2 Works With USB-C iPads
There are 2 Apple Pencil models available. But how do you know which one suits you best? We're happy to help you choose by discussing the following:
- Compatibility: which iPad are you going to use it for?
- How do you know which iPad you have?
Compatibility
Apple Pencil 2 suitable for iPad version
You can use the Apple Pencil 2 for:
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches (2018 / 2020 / 2021)
- iPad Pro 11 inches (2018 / 2020 / 2021)
- iPad Air (2020)
- iPad Mini 6 (2021)
Apple Pencil 1 suitable for iPad version
You can use the Apple Pencil 2 for:
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches (2017)
- iPad Pro 19.5 inches (2017)
- iPad Pro 10.5 inches (2017)
- iPad 10.2 inches (2021)
- iPad (2018 / 2019 / 2020)
- iPad Air (2019)
- iPad Mini 5
How do you know which iPad you have?
The model number is printed on the back of your Apple iPad. Below, you'll find which iPad versions are suitable for Apple Pencil 1 or 2 and the corresponding model number.
Apple Pencil 2:
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches (2018) | A1876/A2014/A1895/A1983
- iPad Pro 11 inches (2018) | A1980/A2013/A1934/A1979
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches (2020) | A2229/A2069/A2232/A2233
- iPad Pro 11 inches (2020) | A2228/A2068/A2230/A2231
Apple Pencil 1:
- iPad 9.7 inches (2018) | A1893/A1954
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches (2017) | A1670/A1671/A1821
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches (2015) | A1584/A1652
- iPad Pro 10.5 inches (2017) | A1701/A1709/A1852
- iPad Pro 9.7 inches (2016) | A1673/A1674/A1675
- iPad Mini 5 | A2133/A2124/A2126/A2125
- iPad Air (2019) | A2152/A2123/A2154
Both Pencil models side by side
Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
- Quickly switch between the pen and eraser by tapping
- Pressure-sensitive tip
- Wireless connection and charging
- Palm rejection
149,-
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
- Can't quickly switch between functions by tapping
- Pressure-sensitive tip
- Palm rejection
- Wireless connection but wired charging
119,-
Do you have any feedback for us about this page?
Optional
We only use your feedback to improve the website, we won't respond.
Article by:
Lucinda Apple Expert.