Which Apple Pencil: What is the difference between Apple Pencil 1, 2 and 3

In May 2024, Apple unveiled the latest generation of its Pencil stylus for iPad—Apple Pencil Pro. It’s essentially a replacement for the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, made to support only the newest iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4) models, and with similar design but several new features.

That means Apple now has four products all named “Apple Pencil,” but two of them are essentially only for products no longer sold as new, but rather only for legacy models.

Which Apple Pencil: Specs

Before we look at the differences between the three Apple Pencil models, here’s a brief breakdown of their technical specifications:

Which Apple Pencil: Price

The prices for each Apple Pencil vary by features and compatibility. The most expensive option is the second-gen Apple Pencil and the cheapest is the newest Apple Pencil with USB-C.

For some excellent alternatives, you can also check out our roundup of the best Pencil or stylus for iPad.  

The first Apple Pencil was launched in September 2015. Apple sells it for $99/£109/€119. It works with the current 9th and 10th generation iPads as well as a number of older iPad models. To charge you plug it into your iPad’s Lightning port, so you can’t use it when charging. It is pressure-sensitive, which is good if you are an artist. We suspect that Apple will soon remove this Pencil from the lineup now the USB-C model is here.

This is the best Apple Pencil for those that do not have the very latest iPad Air or Pro. It launched in 2018 and Apple sells it for $129/£139/€149. It works with recent iPad Air, mini, and Pro, but not the standard iPad or the M2 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro. This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly.

This Apple Pencil launched in 2023 to support iPads with USB-C charging ports instead of the older Lightning port. It lacks many of the features of the 2nd generation model, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking newer means better. This is essentially a Pencil with a USB-C port. It lacks pressure sensitivity, which even the 1st gen model has. It doesn’t work with the 9th gen iPad or the earliest iPad Pros. More on compatibility below.

This is the best Apple Pencil, as long as you have a compatible iPad. Apple sells it for $129/£139/€149. It works with the most recent iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4). This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly, and has all of the features of 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and several more, like haptic feedback, Find My support, and support for rolling and squeeze gestures.

Which Apple Pencil: Design

There’s not exactly a lot of room for flamboyant designs or new aesthetics when it comes to something as form-dependent as a stylus. But, the engineers at Apple have been busy, incorporating a few elements that make the Pencils recognizable from each other. 

In all cases, you’re looking at a white plastic, cylindrical casing with no buttons or markings except for the Apple Pencil name. The 1st-Gen Pencil is the only one that is completely round (and has a glossy finish), as the Pro, 2nd-Gen, and USB-C versions have a flattened side so that they can be attached magnetically to the edge of a compatible iPad.

Apple has constantly been refining the balance and handling of its Pencil range, as you can see from the fact that with each generation the length of the stylus has slowly been shortened. Here’s how they measure up:

• Apple Pencil (1st Gen): 6.92in/176mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter)
• Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): 6.53in/166mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter)
• Apple Pencil (USB-C): 6.10in/155mm (Length); 0.29in/7.4mm (Diameter)
• Apple Pencil Pro: 6.53in/166mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter)

Both the 1st-Gen and USB-C Pencils have a lid at the top end that can be taken off to charge the device. On the 1st-Gen, removing the cap reveals a Lightning connector, while the USB-C slides up to reveal a USB-C port. The 2nd-Gen and Pro models charge wirelessly and don’t have a port or connector.

At the business end of the Pencil, you’ll find the replaceable rubber tips that make the Apple Pencil such a comfortable experience. Some of the models have more functionality built into their slender frames, which we’ll cover in the next section. 

Which Apple Pencil: Features

While all of the Pencil models will allow you to write notes and sketch on your iPad, they do offer different capabilities depending on the model you choose. The 1st-Gen Pencil delivers a precise writing experience, with low latency and pressure sensitivity to allow thinner and wider pen/brush strokes, plus the ability to sense when you are tilting the stylus for shading and similar techniques. 

Pairing and charging are done via the Lightning port, as there is no wireless charging in this model, plus you can’t magnetically attach it to an iPad. You also don’t get the hover feature on iPad Pro models, which enables you to preview where your mark will be made without having to touch the screen. You will also have to make do without the double-tap action to switch between the various pens, brushes, and other tools. 

The Gen 2 Pencil offers all of the features included in its predecessor, except for the Lightning port charging and pairing, which is instead achieved wirelessly. It introduces the double-tap feature through a touch-sensitive area near the tip, plus there’s the option to have it engraved with a personal message. 

The Apple Pencil USB-C attaches via a USB-C-to-USB-C cable from your iPad’s charging port to the Pencil. You can magnetically attach it to an iPad for safe-keeping, but it doesn’t charge. It has nearly all the same features as the 1st-Gen Pencil, albeit strangely without pressure sensitivity, which does seem like a step backward. As a minor compensation, you do get the 2nd-Gen’s hover feature if you own an iPad Pro. 

The latest is the Apple Pencil Pro, which only supports the iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4), and presumably future iPad Air and Pro models. It has all the features of the 2nd-Gen model with the addition of roll and squeeze sensitivity, haptic feedback, and Find My support.

Which Apple Pencil: Compatibility

Every Pencil supports different iPads, so you’ll need to check which model you have before you buy one of the three stylus models Apple offers:

Which Apple Pencil: Verdict

Some of the main considerations when considering an Apple Pencil are how you want to use it and which iPad you have. If you’re interested in creating art or more decorative writing, then you’ll no doubt find the pressure sensitivity of the Gen 1, Gen 2, and Pro models an essential feature. Then you’ll just need to select the one that is compatible with your device. The Gen 2 Pencil does have the additional benefits of wireless charging, plus the double-tap and hover capabilities, although the latter only works on iPad Pro.

If you have a newer iPad with a USB-C connector and just want to take down notes, then the USB-C model could serve those purposes admirably, with the added advantage of being the most affordable model available from Apple.

If you buy a brand-new iPad Air with M2 or iPad Pro with M4, you can choose between the USB-C model with its very basic functionality or Apple Pencil Pro, which has by far the most features of any Apple Pencil.

The edge case is if you have an iPad mini or 10th-gen iPad but really need pressure sensitivity. While you would normally choose the USB-C Pencil for those models, the only compatible Pencil with pressure sensitivity is the first-gen Apple Pencil, which comes with a little USB-C to Lightning charging adapter you’ll have to use to charge it.