Which iPads Are Compatible With Apple Pencil?
The Apple Pencil is a fantastic accessory to purchase for an iPad.
Whether you’re using one for work in the field or drawing on your iPad for fun, the Apple Pencil adds precision and finesse to your work.
One downside of the Apple Pencil is that not all iPads are compatible with the Apple Pencil.
Which iPads Are Compatible With Apple Pencil?
The iPads that are compatible with an Apple Pencil will vary depending on the Apple Pencil’s generation. First-generation Apple Pencils are compatible with more iPads than the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Here are the current iPads that will pair and work properly with a first-generation Apple Pencil:
- 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation iPad
- 3rd generation iPad Air
- 5th generation iPad Mini
- 1st and 2nd generation iPad Pro- 12.9 inch
- iPad Pro 10.5 inch
- iPad Pro 9.7 inch
Here are the iPads that are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil:
- 6th generation iPad Mini
- 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9 inch
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation iPad Pro 11 inch
- 4th generation iPad Air
There are many varieties to what iPads are compatible with an Apple Pencil.
Since not all iPads are compatible with the Apple Pencil, it is essential to know which iPad you have before buying an Apple Pencil.
If you buy an incompatible Apple Pencil, it won’t pair and work properly on your iPad.
iPads Compatible With Apple Pencil
There are currently two generations of the Apple Pencil.
The First Generation
The Second Generation
The first-generation Apple Pencil is significantly cheaper than the second-generation.
Not all iPads will be able to pair with either Apple Pencil.
iPads Compatible With First-Generation Apple Pencil
Generally, the iPads that are compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil are older models.
The first-generation Apple Pencil is much cheaper than the second-generation Apple Pencil.
It has a smooth finish, so you can comfortably hold it in your hand for as long as you need with a secure grip.
It also has tilt and pressure sensitivity, to give the most precision.
Finally, there is no lag when using the first-generation Apple Pencil on your iPad.
Here are the current iPads that will pair and work properly:
- 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation iPad
- 3rd generation iPad Air
- 5th generation iPad Mini
- 1st and 2nd generation iPad Pro- 12.9 inch
- iPad Pro 10.5 inch
- iPad Pro 9.7 inch
iPads Compatible With Second-Generation Apple Pencil
The second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with significantly fewer iPads than the first-generation Apple Pencil.
It is more expensive, but it offers more benefits than the first-generation Apple Pencil.
One of the major key features the second-generation Apple Pencil has that the first-generation one doesn’t is that it can be charged wirelessly.
It can also attach to the iPad with a magnet, so you don’t lose it.
If you purchase your second-generation Apple Pencil directly from Apple, they will also give a free engraving.
Here are the iPads that are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil:
- 6th generation iPad Mini
- 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9 inch
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation iPad Pro 11 inch
- 4th generation iPad Air
The Cheapest iPad That is Compatible With an Apple Pencil
If you are looking to upgrade your iPad based solely on which iPad is compatible with an Apple Pencil, there are many options.
iPads aren’t the cheapest tablets on the market, but you can upgrade to a newer iPad without breaking the bank.
Currently, the cheapest iPad that is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil is the iPad Pro 9.7 inch.
Keep in mind that the iPad generations that are compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil are older.
It will be very difficult to find a completely new iPad that’s an older generation. These prices will change and fluctuate.
The cheapest iPad that is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil is the 6th generation iPad Mini. It costs $499 or $41.58 a month for 12 months.
If these are too expensive, you can still always shop around for a refurbished or used iPad.
Older generation iPads will most likely be used.
Additionally, you can wait for a sale through Apple or an online retailer.
Apple and other online retailers also offer a payment plan if you can’t pay for a new iPad in one sum.
How to Know if Your iPad Will Support an Apple Pencil
If you forgot your iPad generation and wonder if it will support an Apple Pencil, it’s very simple to find out.
- Open the “settings” on your iPad.
- Find and select the tab that says “General”.
- Once that is open, select “About.”
- In the “About” menu, there will be a section that says “Model.”
Once you’re there, it will tell you the model of the iPad that you have.
If your iPad is older than the ones listed above, it will not support an Apple Pencil.
Other pencils are available that are similar but do not work with the exact precision that an Apple Pencil will.
How to Pair an Apple Pencil to an iPad
When you know that your Apple Pencil is compatible with your iPad, there are some steps you have to take to connect it.
First, you must make sure that the Apple Pencil is charged.
If it’s a first-generation Apple Pencil, it needs to be charged via the lighting port.
If it is a second-generation Apple Pencil, it can be charged wirelessly or via the lightning port.
The remaining steps are slightly different for the different Apple Pencils.
An Apple Pencil will stay paired to the iPad until it is restarted or put into airplane mode.
Pairing a First-Generation Apple Pencil
Pairing a first-generation Apple Pencil with a compatible iPad is simple.
All you need to do is remove the top from the Apple Pencil and plug it into the lighting port.
Once it’s plugged in, a request to pair will appear on your screen.
Allow the Apple Pencil to pair to your iPad.
Pairing a Second-Generation Apple Pencil
One of the great features of the second-generation Apple Pencil is that it can be magnetically attached to your iPad when you aren’t using it.
It also functions as how to start the pairing process.
To pair a second-generation Apple Pencil to your iPad, all you need to do is attach the Apple Pencil to the magnetic strip.
Conclusion
Not all iPads are compatible with the Apple Pencil. It largely depends on which generation Apple Pencil you are using.
Be sure to know which iPad you have before making the hefty purchase of an Apple Pencil.
If it’s not compatible, you can also use off-brand tablet pencils to pair with your iPad.