What ipads do apple pencils work on

Apple currently sells five iPads, and two Apple Pencils. Some of these work together – but which ones?

The company doesn’t make things easy, often referring to the original and updated versions of its Pencil by the same name. Luckily we don’t have to stick to the official branding, so we can make things super-clear by calling them the Pencil 1 (2015) and Pencil 2 (2018). In this article we explain exactly which iPads can use which Apple Pencils.

If you’re not sure which Apple tablet(s) you own, read How to identify which iPad you’ve got. And check our roundup of the best iPad deals for tips on decent offers.

What ipads do apple pencils work on

Which iPads can use the Apple Pencil 1 (2015)?

The Apple Pencil 1 (2015) (which you can buy here) has a removable cap with a silver ring, and is perfectly cylindrical and glossy white.

It is compatible with:

  • iPad 10.2in (2020) – buy it here
  • iPad mini (2019) – buy it here
  • iPad Air (2019)
  • iPad 10.2in (2019)
  • iPad 9.7in (2018)
  • iPad Pro 12.9in (2017)
  • iPad Pro 12.9in (2015)
  • iPad Pro 10.5in (2017)
  • iPad Pro 9.7in (2016)

What ipads do apple pencils work on

Which iPads can use the Apple Pencil 2 (2018)?

The Apple Pencil 2 (2018), which you can buy here and is also known as the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, hasn’t got a silver ring or a cap. It’s matt white and has one flat edge.

It’s compatible with:

  • iPad Air (2020) – buy it here
  • iPad Pro 12.9in (2020) – buy it here
  • iPad Pro 11in (2020) – buy it here
  • iPad Pro 12.9in (2018)
  • iPad Pro 11in (2018)

It’s important to note that, while they’re lucky enough to be compatible with the Pencil 2, these premium iPads cannot use the Apple Pencil 1. They haven’t got Lightning ports, which means they can’t charge or pair with that stylus. (They charge the Pencil 2 wirelessly, but sync large documents with your Mac and charge up their own batteries via a USB-C port.)

Which iPads can’t use an Apple Pencil?

By a process of elimination we’re left with the following tablets which can’t use any model of Apple Pencil at all.

  • iPad 9.7in (2017)
  • iPad mini 4 (2015)
  • iPad mini 3 (2014)
  • iPad mini 2 (2013)
  • iPad mini 1 (2012)
  • iPad Air 2 (2014)
  • iPad Air 1 (2013)
  • iPad 4 (November 2012)
  • iPad 3 (March 2012)
  • iPad 2 (2011)
  • iPad 1 (2010)

But don’t worry. You can always read our roundup of the best third-party styluses, and find something that suits you there.

What ipads do apple pencils work on

Want to see if your iPad works with Apple Pencil? Read on for a list of which iPads work with the first- and second-generation writing and drawing tool to check Apple Pencil compatibility.

Not all iPads are compatible with the first- or second-generation Apple Pencil, but most of the iPads released in the last few years support the writing tool.

If you were given one, or already bought one, here’s how to know which model you have: the first-generation Apple Pencil is fully cylindrical with a glossy finish and Lightning connector, the second-generation has a flat side with a matte finish and no Lightning connector.

If you haven’t bought one yet, double-check the iPad and Apple Pencil compatibility details below.

Apple Pencil compatibility: How to check your iPad

First-generation Apple Pencil works with:

  • iPad Air 3rd gen
  • iPad mini 5th gen
  • iPad 6th gen and later
  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st or 2nd gen

Second-generation Apple Pencil works with:

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd gen and later
  • iPad Pro 11-inch 1st gen and later
  • iPad Air 4th gen and later
  • iPad mini 6th gen

Learn more about Apple Pencil on the official support page here. Thanks for reading our guide on how to check Apple Pencil compatibility!

For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how to guide as well as the following articles:

  • Stage Manager on iPad: Hands-on with the new multitasking UI in iPadOS 16 [Video]
  • Difference between MacBook Air and Pro: How the redesigned lightweight MacBook stacks up
  • iPhone Lockdown Mode coming in iOS 16 to protect against targeted cyber attacks, here’s how it works
  • Use iMac as monitor: How to create a Mac to Mac, PC to Mac, or iPad to Mac setup
  • iPhone as Mac webcam: How to use Continuity Camera in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura [Video]

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What ipads do apple pencils work on


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About the Author

Michael Potuck

@michaelpotuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.

Michael Potuck's favorite gear

Does Apple Pencil work with all iPads?

You can use Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with these iPad models: iPad mini (6th generation) iPad Air (4th generation and later) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)

Which iPads Cannot use Apple Pencil?

Which iPads can't use an Apple Pencil?.
iPad 9.7in (2017).
iPad mini 4 (2015).
iPad mini 3 (2014).
iPad mini 2 (2013).
iPad mini 1 (2012).
iPad Air 2 (2014).
iPad Air 1 (2013).
iPad 4 (November 2012).

Will Apple Pencil 1st gen work with iPad Air 4?

Apple Pencil 1st generation will NOT work on iPad Air 4th Generation. You need the Apple Pencil 2 if you actually have an iPad Air 4.

Can you use Apple Pencil on old iPad?

The Apple Pencil is compatible with any iPad Pro model, and the very newest (current) iPad only. It will not work on your previous generation iPad.