Apple Pencil Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 vs. USB-C vs. Pro: What's the Difference?

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Apple recently introduced the Apple Pencil Pro, making it even more confusing to pick a stylus for your iPad. Four models of the Apple Pencil are now available, and their prices vary, so it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you. We're here to explain the differences between them and help you make a decision.

What Are the Four Apple Pencils?

There are four Apple Pencils. The $99 Apple Pencil (1st Generation) was introduced in 2015 and updated in 2018. The $129 Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) was released in 2021, while the $79 Apple Pencil (USB-C) arrived in November 2023. The $129 Apple Pencil Pro landed in May 2024. All four are available for sale and have different features and functionality.

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How Big Is the Apple Pencil?

The Apple Pencils are close in their dimensions but not exactly the same.

From the tip to the end cap, the 1st Gen Pencil measures 6.92 inches long, 0.35 inches thick, and weighs 0.73 ounces. It's perfectly round and made from a glossy (slippery) plastic material, which means it's not the easiest to hold and use and has a habit of rolling off desks and tables.

The 2nd Gen Pencil is a little shorter but otherwise the same at 6.73 by 0.35 inches and 0.73 ounces. It has one flat side to assist with usability and is made from a matte plastic material. It's nicely balanced and feels good in the hand.

The Apple Pencil USB-C is the shortest and lightest of the three at 6.52 inches by 0.35 inches and 0.72 ounces. It has the same basic design as the 2nd Gen Pencil, meaning it has one flat side, a matte finish, and is similarly comfortable to hold and use.

Last, the Apple Pencil Pro measures about the same as the USB-C model at 6.53 inches by 0.35 inches. It weighs less at 0.68 ounces, but is otherwise similar in terms of shape and feel as the 2nd Gen and USB-C Pencils.

All four include the same replaceable tip and are compatible with third-party tips.

Which iPad Does the Apple Pencil Support?

Not every Apple Pencil works with every iPad. For starters, if you have an iPad made before 2015, it isn't supported. Only models that debuted after that date work with Apple's stylus. Here's a rundown of which iPad each Pencil works with:

Apple Pencil (Generation 1)

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st and 2nd generation

• iPad Pro 10.5-inch

• iPad Pro 9.7-inch

• iPad Air 3rd generation

• iPad mini 5th generation

• iPad 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation

Apple Pencil (Generation 2)

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation

• iPad Pro 11-inch 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation

• iPad Air 4th and 5th generation

• iPad mini 6th generation

Apple Pencil (USB-C)

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation

• iPad Pro 11-inch 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation

• iPad Air 4th and 5th generation

• iPad mini 6th generation

• iPad 10th generation

• iPad mini (2024) 8.3-inch

Apple Pencil Pro

• iPad Pro (2024) 13-inch

• iPad Pro (2024) 11-inch

• iPad Air (2024) 13-inch

• iPad Air (2024) 11-inch

• iPad mini (2024) 8.3-inch

How Does the Apple Pencil Charge?

Not all Apple Pencils charge the same way. Two have to be plugged in to charge, while two can charge via induction.

The 1st Gen Apple Pencil features a built-in male Lightning stem hiding under the end cap. You can plug the Pencil directly into a Lightning-equipped iPad to charge it, or use the included double reverse adapter to charge via Lightning cable. Both the end cap and adapter are small and frustratingly easy to lose, which means you may end up charging via iPad quite a bit. To say that charging the Pencil via iPad is awkward is an understatement.

The 2nd Gen Pencil offers a much better charging experience. The stylus sticks onto the flat edge of supported iPads magnetically and charges. This is convenient because it helps you keep track of the Pencil while charging it at the same time. Moreover, charging the Pencil while it is stowed means it's nearly always charged when you need it.

We'll give you one guess to figure out how the Apple Pencil (USB-C) charges. Yep, you have to plug it into a USB-C cable. The charging port is hidden under a sliding end cap that is (thankfully) permanently attached to the stylus. You have to plug the USB-C-to-USB-C cable into your iPad at least once for the initial pairing to take place. After that, you can charge it via any power brick.

The Apple Pencil Pro charges exactly as the 2nd-gen model: magnetically when attached to the side of a 2024 iPad Pro or iPad Air.

All of the Apple Pencils connect to the iPad via Bluetooth. Battery life varies based on use.

What Can the Apple Pencil Do?

The four Apple Pencils have a variety of features. Be sure to pick the stylus that most closely matches your particular needs.

All four Pencils support three core features: pixel-level precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity. These allow you to write or sketch with incredible accuracy, experience a pencil-like immediacy to your input, and take advantage of shading and other effects by tipping the Pencil to and fro.

Both the 1st and 2nd generation Pencils, as well as the Pro, support pressure sensitivity. Each can measure 4,096 levels of pressure to allow for a more natural writing and drawing experience. This is critical for artists. The 1st Generation Pencil stops here, however; these are the only features it supports.

The 2nd Gen pencil is more feature-rich. It adds magnetic attachment, wireless pairing and charging, Hover on the iPad Pro, double-tap to change writing tools, and includes free engraving for personalization (when ordered directly from Apple). The Hover tool is useful, as it allows you to see exactly where the Pencil will mark the screen before you touch the tip to the glass. Further, the tool-swapping function is clutch if you want or need to quickly jump from a pencil to an eraser, highlighter, or marker.

The USB-C Pencil supports Hover, but lacks some of the other advanced features, including pressure sensitivity, magnetic pairing and charging, double-tap, and free engraving.

The Apple Pencil Pro adds several advanced functions. First, it includes a new pressure-sensitive area that, when squeezed, calls up the palette for access to alternate brushes. It also includes a gyroscope, which powers a barrel roll function for adjusting the direction of your brush. The Pencil Pro has a haptic engine inside to provide vibrating feedback. Last, it’s the only Apple Pencil that supports Apple’s Find My network for remote location discovery when lost.

All four Apple Pencils enhance creativity apps such as Evernote, GarageBand, Illustrator, iMovie, Photoshop, and Procreate, and are compatible with nearly all iPad apps in terms of basic input and functionality.

Which Apple Pencil Is Right for You?

Based on its price and feature set, the $79 Apple Pencil USB-C is best for beginners or kids who want simple stylus functionality with writing and basic drawing features.

The $99 1st Gen Pencil adds one important feature—pressure sensitivity—but it isn't as comfortable to hold, use, or charge and is mostly compatible with aging iPads.

The $129 2nd Gen Pencil is even more feature-rich and offers a rewarding overall experience. This is the best option if your iPad is from 2022 or older.

However, owners of the latest iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad mini should opt for the $129 Apple Pencil Pro due to its advanced creative tools.