The Apple Pencil Range is a Mess, so Here’s a Guide to Which One You Should Buy

Apple introduced a range of new iPads on Tuesday, and the updates have provided a bit more clarity to the company’s tablet selection. Yes, there are still six different models in total, but the boundaries between these two models are clearer: you have a good option (the base iPad), a better option (the iPad Air), and a best option (the iPad Pro) . . Both the Air and Pro are available in 11- or 13-inch frames, but these models are more or less identical aside from their size. The iPad mini, on the other hand, is still on the side of the relatively small niche that prefers a compact tablet.

However, as part of these announcements, the Apple Pencil got even worse. Apple has introduced a new top-of-the-range stylus, the Pencil Pro, but has not discontinued an older model. This means potential buyers now have four (4!) different stylus pens to choose from. Each has different features, two are available for the same price, and only the lowest-tier model works with every iPad in Apple’s current lineup. And the high-end version from yesterday is no longer compatible with the latest iPad Air or iPad Pro.

That’s pretty bad! Just like Apple got here May are based on what the company calls a “new magnetic interface.” This means that the Pencil Pro connects and charges compatible iPads, in this case only the new iPad Airs and iPad Pros. These tablets have been redesigned to place their front-facing cameras on the long edge, which is a welcome change in a vacuum, but may have resulted in the devices no longer having the second-generation Pencil’s charging system. However, Apple has not confirmed any of this. We’ve contacted the company for clarification and will update if we hear back.

It’s more than possible that we’re in a difficult transition period, with the first and second generation Pencils disappearing as the entry-level iPad and iPad mini are updated. As it stands today, it would be difficult for digital artists and note-takers to view the Pencil series as anything but chaotic. The fact that there is a “range” at all, rather than a product that simply works with every iPad, feels like a condemnation in itself. However, if you’re in the market for a new Pencil and aren’t sure which one to buy, we’ve broken down the current deals below.

The Apple Pencil Pro is the newest and most technically advanced pencil. It costs $129 and is available to pre-order now. Full availability begins May 15th. As mentioned above, it is only compatible with Apple’s latest tablets: the 11- and 13-inch iPad Air (M2) and the 11- and 13-inch tablet 13-inch iPad Pro (M4).

For simplicity’s sake, if you’re looking to buy one of these iPads, this is almost certainly the stylus you should buy. We’ve yet to review it, but it’s essentially an updated version of the second-generation Pencil that we previously recommended in our guide to the best iPad accessories. It has virtually the same comfortable shape and matte finish, but is technically 0.05 ounces lighter. It still supports pressure sensitivity, so your marks will darken as you press down with more force, and tilt detection, so you can hold it at an angle for light shading and similar effects. Pairing and charging are still magnetic, and there’s still a “double-tap” feature that lets you quickly switch between tools in certain apps. On certain iPads, the “hover” feature allows you to interact with elements on the screen by holding the stylus directly over the display.

Additionally, the Pencil Pro offers some exclusive benefits. You can press it to open a context menu for changing colors, line weights, and similar tools. A built-in gyroscope can detect when you move the pen, which should make changing the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools easier. There is a haptic engine that provides more tangible feedback when using the pen. And perhaps most conveniently, it works with Apple’s Find My network, making it easier to find if you ever lose it.

The second-generation Pencil launched in 2018 and remained Apple’s best stylus until this week. It also costs $129, although recent sales have brought the price down to just $79. It is compatible with the following iPads: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generations), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations), iPad Air (4th and 5th generation) and iPad mini (6th generation).

To reiterate: Apple says this is the case not Compatible with any iPad Air or iPad Pro announced on Tuesday. Yes, I pay $129 for a pen Only to be forced to replace it a generation or two later is disgusting.

The second-generation Pencil lacks the pinch and barrel-roll gestures, improved haptic feedback, and Find My support of the Pencil Pro. Otherwise, it contains all the same core features. If you own one of the compatible iPads listed above and don’t plan on upgrading any time soon, you should buy the Pencil, as it’s still a significant upgrade over Apple’s cheaper models. However, if you’re planning on buying a new iPad Air or iPad Pro in the near future and don’t necessarily need a stylus today, it’s worth waiting a moment and buying the Pencil Pro along with your new tablet, as annoying as that is may be.

The USB-C Apple Pencil was released late last year and effectively serves as Apple’s “budget” stylus. With a list price of $79, it’s still not cheap, although we’ve seen it go for $10 less with recent discounts.

This is the only Pencil that is compatible with every iPad in Apple’s current lineup: the iPad Air (M2), the iPad Pro (M4), the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad mini (6th generation). Additionally, it works with the older 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd-6th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st-4th generation), and iPad Air (4th and 5th generation ).

However, it’s also a significant downgrade from the Pencil Pro and second-generation Pencil, lacking pressure sensitivity and magnetic charging support. The former means the illustrations are less precise, while the latter means you’ll need to have a USB-C cable on hand if you want to charge the device. You can still attach the USB-C pen to the side of iPads using magnetic mounts, which is convenient, but it won’t turn on. It also doesn’t work with Apple’s double-tap feature, but it does support hover and basics like tilt sensitivity. It’s also slightly shorter than the higher-end models.

For most people who care enough about drawing or note-taking to buy an Apple Pencil in the first place, I’d recommend just paying for the Pencil Pro or the second-generation Pencil, depending on which iPad you have. But for those who really want to save money and may only need a pen for occasional writing or generally navigating their device, the USB-C pen might make sense. This is especially true for the iPad (10th generation), which doesn’t work with any of Apple’s superior models.

The original Apple Pencil was introduced back in 2015. Apple still sells it for $99, although these days it’s often available for $20 to $30 less at other retailers. Most people can safely ignore it: the only modern iPad it works with is the entry-level iPad (10th generation), but even then charging requires a Lighting to USB-C adapter, which looks ridiculous and potentially offers you more things to lose. It doesn’t attach magnetically and has a shinier, more rounded design that’s easier to roll away on a flat table. It also lacks most of the advanced features of newer Pencils.

The only thing the first generation Pencil has over the USB-C model is pressure sensitivity. Yes, even though it’s eight years older, it’s technically better in at least one meaningful way. So if you own the iPad (10th generation) and are willing to deal with the dongle-heavy charging situation in return for a more precise drawing experience, there’s a world where the first-generation Pencil is still justified. But most people in this situation should just grab an iPad Air and the Pencil Pro.

Just for posterity, here is the list of iPads that support the first-generation Pencil: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generations), 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7- inch iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad mini (5th generation) and iPad (6th-10th generation).