The Apple Pencil is the best stylus for iPad users — here's which to get and how to use it
- The Apple Pencil is a special stylus that lets you draw and handwrite on your iPad.
- There are two versions of the Apple Pencil, and they each work with a different collection of iPads.
- You can use the Apple Pencil in art apps like Procreate, writing apps like Notes, or games like Osu!
For the first few years of the iPad's life, companies released hundreds of different styluses that they claimed would make drawing and writing a breeze. In reality, they usually weren't much better than using your finger.
This is where the Apple Pencil came in. Originally released in 2015, the Apple Pencil is a wireless stylus that's specifically designed to work with iPads. It's not much bigger than an average pen, and is great for drawing and taking notes.
Now there are two versions of the Apple Pencil, each with its own design and features. Here's everything to know about the Apple Pencil, including what it does, and what type of iPad you'll need to use one.
The Apple Pencil, explained
The Apple Pencil is a stylus — a pen made to use on digital screens — that can do anything your finger can do, but with more precision. This means that you can more easily tap small icons, draw complex shapes, and write in your own handwriting.
For example, your iPad's default Notes app has a markup feature that lets you handwrite your notes instead of typing. The Apple Pencil would be perfect here. If you have iPadOS 14 or later, you can even handwrite in any text field and have your writing converted into typed text.
Art apps like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint feel entirely new when you have a good stylus to draw with — especially one with both pressure and tilt sensors. The Pencil is also great for popular rhythm games like Osu! and VOEZ, which require the player to tap tiny buttons in time with music.
It can also be a good substitute when you don't want to use your fingers in general — maybe you're wearing heavy gloves, or have ink on your fingers. The Apple Pencil can do anything that your fingers can do.
What iPads are compatible with the Apple Pencil?
Not every iPad supports the Apple Pencil. And even the iPads that do work with Apple Pencils don't support both versions — only one Apple Pencil version is compatible with any given iPad.
First-generation Apple Pencil
The original Apple Pencil, which charges using a Lightning connector, works with these iPads:
- iPad (sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth generations; released in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021)
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch (released in 2016)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch (released in 2017)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (first and second generations, released in 2015 and 2017)
- iPad Air (third generation, released in 2019)
- iPad mini (fifth generation, released in 2019)
Second-generation Apple Pencil
The newer Apple Pencil, released in 2018, is compatible with every iPad that has a USB-C charger instead of a Lightning charger:
- iPad Pro 11-inch (first, second, and third generations; released in 2018, 2020, and 2021)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third, fourth, and fifth generations; released in 2018, 2020, and 2021)
- iPad Air (fourth and fifth generations, released in 2020 and 2022)
- iPad mini (sixth generation, released in 2021)
Differences between Apple Pencil 1 and 2
If you look at both versions of the Apple Pencil, you'll notice that they look a bit different: The first-generation Apple Pencil is longer and made with glossy plastic, while the second-generation is matte and has a flat side so it doesn't roll.
And of course, the two versions also have different prices — $99 for the first generation, and $129 for the second.
But there aren't many functional differences between the first- and second-Generation Apple Pencils.
The one major feature that the second-generation pencil has is Double-Tap: If you're using an app like Photoshop Sketch that supports the feature, you can double-tap near the tip of your Apple Pencil to switch back to the last tool you used.
Aside from this, the only differences are how they charge and connect to the iPad, which we'll go over below.
How to charge and connect your Apple Pencil
You'll both charge and connect your Apple Pencil in the same way.
If you have a first-generation Apple Pencil, unscrew the cap on its "eraser" end to reveal the Lightning connector, and plug it into your iPad. It'll start charging right away. If you're asked if you want to pair with the Bluetooth device, tap Pair.
Quick tip: You can also charge your first-generation Apple Pencil using the Apple Pencil Charging Adapter that comes with it. Plug your Pencil into one end, and a Lightning charger cable into the other end.
The second-generation Apple Pencil connects and charges by latching onto the magnetic connector on your iPad's side.
Your Apple Pencil will take about 15 minutes to fully charge, and a full charge will last for about ten to twelve hours of use. You can check the battery on your Apple Pencil by swiping all the way to the left on your iPad's home or lock screen.
Does the Apple Pencil work on iPhone?
The Apple Pencil doesn't work on an iPhone, no matter which Apple Pencil or iPhone model you have.
If you want to use a stylus on your iPhone, you can try one of the Apple Pencil alternatives like the FiftyThree Digital Stylus or Adonit Pixel.