A Brief Introduction to Apple Pencil
Apple iPad, a highly popular tablet computer, offers a range of features and accessories that have made it a preferred choice for various purposes such as education, business, music, and arts. In 2015, Apple introduced the Apple Pencil, a stylus designed to enhance the iPad experience for artists and creatives. In 2018, Apple unveiled an upgraded version of the pencil, known as Apple Pencil 2. In this guide, we will explore the features of Apple Pencil 2 and delve into its compatibility with different iPad models.
Understanding Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility
Both the original Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 have distinct pairing and charging systems, which determine their compatibility with different iPad models.
1. Apple Pencil Compatibility
The first-generation Apple Pencil features a Lightning connector for pairing and charging. Therefore, all iPad models equipped with a Lightning port are compatible with the Apple Pencil. Here is a comprehensive list of iPad models compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, along with their release years:
- iPad (10th gen) – 2022
- iPad (9th gen) – 2021
- iPad (8th gen) – 2020
- iPad (7th gen) – 2019
- iPad Air (3rd gen) – 2019
- iPad Mini (5th gen) – 2019
- iPad (6th gen) – 2018
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch – 2017
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen) – 2017
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch – 2016
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st gen) – 2015
Note: For the 10th gen iPad (2022) with a USB-C port, you will need a simple USB-C Adapter to pair and charge the first-generation Apple Pencil.
2. Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility
The Apple Pencil 2 incorporates significant changes in terms of pairing and charging. As it lacks a physical connector, such as Lightning or USB-C, not all iPad models are compatible with it. To use Apple Pencil 2, you need an iPad model that supports wireless pairing and charging. Here is a list of iPad models compatible with Apple Pencil 2, along with the release years:
- iPad Mini (6th gen) – 2021
- iPad Air (4th gen) – 2020
- iPad Air (5th gen) – 2022
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen) – 2018
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd gen) – 2020
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen) – 2021
- iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen) – 2022
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen) – 2018
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen) – 2020
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th gen) – 2021
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th gen) – 2022
Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility Table
The following table provides an overview of different iPad models and their compatibility with the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2:
| iPad Model | Apple Pencil (First-Generation) | Apple Pencil 2 (Second-Generation) |
|---|---|---|
| iPad 6th gen – 2018 | 7th gen – 2019 | 8th gen – 2020 |
| 9th gen – 2021 | 10th gen – 2022 | |
| None | ||
| iPad Air 3rd gen – 2019 | 4th gen – 2020 | 5th gen – 2022 |
| iPad Mini 5th gen – 2019 | 6th gen – 2021 | |
| iPad Pro – 9.7-inch 2016 Model | None | |
| iPad Pro – 10.5-inch 2017 Model | None | |
| iPad Pro – 11-inch | None | 1st gen – 2018 |
| 2nd gen – 2020 | ||
| 3rd gen – 2021 | ||
| 4th gen – 2022 | ||
| iPad Pro – 12.9-inch 1st gen – 2015 | 2nd gen – 2017 | 3rd gen – 2018 |
| 4th gen – 2020 | ||
| 5th gen – 2021 | ||
| 6th gen – 2022 |
Refer to this table to determine the compatibility of different iPad models with the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
Apple iPad offers a wide range of tablet computers equipped with various features and connectivity options. To cater to the needs of artists and business professionals, Apple introduced the Apple Pencil, a digital stylus resembling a traditional pencil. Subsequently, Apple released the upgraded Apple Pencil 2, which introduced changes in pairing and charging methods. As a result, the compatibility of these devices varies across different iPad models. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the compatibility of Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2 with iPads. For more information, visit OnSpec Electronic, Inc., the official website for OnSpec Electronic, Inc.
