Choosing The Right Stylus For Your iPad: Apple Pencil Comparison

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It was a big week for Apple. iPad Pro 7th generation, iPad Air 6, a new update for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, another Magic keyboard, and an all new Apple Pencil Pro. But with new releases comes a new conundrum for those in the market for Apple products: which model should you buy?

We’ve created buying guides for the new iPad’s as well as some opinion focused blogs. But we haven’t touched the new Apple Pencil much and how to decide which one is right for you.

So that’s where this article comes in. Let’s get into it!

Matching Your iPad with the Right Apple Pencil

The first step in your Apple Pencil selection is to determine which model is compatible with your iPad.

Here’s how to find out which iPad you have: 

If you’re using iPadOS or iOS 12.2 or later, go to Settings > General >About > Model Name.

Here’s a compatibility chart:

Apple Pencil Model	Compatible iPad Models
First-Generation Apple Pencil	iPad (6th, 7th, 8th and 9th generation) iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation).
Second-Generation Apple Pencil	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)
Apple Pencil with USB-C	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation), iPad Air (4th, 5th, and 6th generation), iPad mini (6th generation), iPad (10th generation)
Apple Pencil Pro	iPad Pro 13-inch (7th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (5th generation), iPad Air (6th generation)

Now that we’ve established the compatibility aspect, let’s dive deeper into each Apple Pencil model…

First-Generation Apple Pencil: For artists on a budget

The first-generation Apple Pencil, introduced in 2015, has a glossy finish and weighted design. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Pressure and tilt sensitivity
• Comfortable, weighted design for natural writing and drawing
• Relatively affordable compared to newer models

Cons:

• Charging method via Lightning connector is inconvenient and prone to accidental damage
• Lacks modern features like wireless charging and magnetic attachment
• Compatibility limited to older iPad models with Lightning ports

So the Apple Pencil 1 is a good choice for light users, notetakers or hobbyist digital artists on a budget who have the 10th generation iPad or before.

Second-Generation Apple Pencil: The reliable upgrade

Launched in 2018, the second-generation Apple Pencil is a more sophisticated upgrade. Featuring a matte finish and a flat edge to prevent rolling, this stylus  attaches to the side of your iPad for wireless charging and pairing. Here’s the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Pressure and tilt sensitivity for advanced digital art and note-taking
• Wireless charging and magnetic attachment for a more seamless integration with iPad
• Double-tap function for quick tool switching

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to the first-generation and USB-C models
• Compatibility is limited to iPad models with USB-C ports
• The same price as the latest Pencil Pro

The double-tap function allows you to quickly switch between tools. And with pressure and tilt sensitivity intact, the second-generation Pencil remains a more reliable choice for digital artists. 

Apple Pencil with USB-C: The budget-friendly option

In 2023, Apple introduced a more affordable alternative to its flagship Pencil models – the Apple Pencil with USB-C. The Apple Pencil 3 has a matte finish and a flat edge designed to make storage easier. 

Pros:

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for a wider range of users
• USB-C charging compatibility with a variety of devices and accessories
• Sleek, matte design and flat edge for easy storage

Cons:

• Lacks pressure sensitivity, limiting its capabilities for more advanced digital art
• Compatibility limited to newer iPad models with USB-C ports

This stylus offers a similar user experience to its predecessors but with one key difference: the absence of pressure sensitivity. 

While this may be a dealbreaker for some, the USB-C charging capabilities and lower price point make the Apple Pencil with USB-C an enticing option for those with basic note-taking or light drawing needs.

Apple Pencil Pro: The future-proof pencil

The Apple Pencil Pro is the latest stylus, meant to compliment the iPad Pro 7, Featuring a matte design, magnetic attachment, and wireless charging, this advanced Pencil boasts a host of cutting-edge features.

Pros:

• Unparalleled precision and control with pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and barrel roll function
• Cutting-edge features like haptic feedback and Find My integration
• Versatile compatibility with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models
• The same price as the Apple Pencil 2nd gen

Cons:

• Highest price point among the Apple Pencil lineup
• Compatibility limited to the newest iPad Pro and iPad Air

Pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and a new barrel roll function provide precision and control, while haptic feedback and Find My integration make the Pencil ideal for designers and artists. 

Price comparison 

What do you think?

If you aren’t sold on any of the Apple Pencil products, there are always alternatives. But whether you fork out for the new Pro pencil or go for an older model, we hope this article helped.

Let us know your thoughts down below

Images courtesy of Apple.