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.
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)
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.
Author: David Price, Editor
David has loved the iPhone since covering the original 2007 launch; later his obsession expanded to include iPad and Apple Watch. He offers advice to owners (and prospective owners) of these devices.