Buying the wrong Apple Pencil is an easy mistake. Apple sells several, they look similar, and each one works with a specific list of iPads. A Pencil that is perfect for one iPad simply won’t connect to another.
This guide walks through the four Apple Pencil models, which iPads each one supports according to Apple’s compatibility page, and a few checks to make before you spend money. We haven’t tested these pairings ourselves, so everything below follows Apple’s published lists.
Step one: know your iPad model
Compatibility is listed by iPad model and generation, not by screen size alone. “iPad Pro 11-inch” covers several generations, and only some of them work with a given Pencil. Open Settings > General > About on your iPad and note the model name. Then match it against the lists below.
Also keep your software current. Apple says the Pencil Pro needs iPadOS 17.5 or later, and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) needs iPadOS 17.1.1 or later.
Apple Pencil Pro
Apple lists the Pencil Pro as working only with these iPads:
- iPad Pro 13-inch and 11-inch (M4 and M5)
- iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2, M3 and M4)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
If you own one of these and want the newest option, this is the one Apple lists for them. It is not the right choice for older iPads, since none of the models outside that list appear on it. If this is your pick, here is the Apple Pencil Pro on Amazon.
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
The USB-C model works with a wide range of iPads. Apple lists it for:
- iPad Pro 13-inch and 11-inch (M4 and M5)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th generation)
- iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2, M3 and M4), and iPad Air (4th or 5th generation)
- iPad (A16) and iPad (10th generation)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad mini (6th generation)
That list matters if you have a basic iPad. The iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16) are on it, which makes this the straightforward match for those two. You can find the Apple Pencil (USB-C) on Amazon too.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
The 2nd-generation Pencil works only with:
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad Air (4th or 5th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation)
Many people already own one of these from a previous iPad. If yours is on the list, you can keep using it. Apple says to center it on the iPad’s magnetic connector to pair.
Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the adapter catch
The 1st-generation Pencil works with the iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th, 7th, 8th and 9th generation), iPad (A16), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch and iPad Pro 9.7-inch.
There is one catch. With the iPad (A16) and iPad (10th generation), Apple notes that a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required to pair and charge the Pencil. Apple’s pairing guide adds that you also need a compatible cable, such as the USB-C Charge Cable. If you’re buying for one of those two iPads and want to skip the extra parts, the USB-C Pencil is on Apple’s list for both.
Quick picks by iPad
- Newest iPad Pro or iPad Air (M-series): Pencil Pro or Pencil (USB-C) are both listed for these.
- iPad (10th generation) or iPad (A16): Pencil (USB-C), or Pencil (1st generation) with the adapter.
- iPad mini (A17 Pro): Pencil Pro or Pencil (USB-C).
- iPad mini (6th generation): Pencil (2nd generation) or Pencil (USB-C).
- iPad (6th to 9th generation): Pencil (1st generation).
Common mix-ups to avoid
Assuming “newest” means “works with everything.” A newer Pencil does not automatically support older iPads. The Pencil Pro list above is short, and an iPad Pro from a few years back may not be on it. Always check your own model against Apple’s list.
Buying by screen size. “iPad Air 11-inch” and the older “iPad Air (4th generation)” are different entries with different lists. Read the generation or chip in parentheses, such as M2 or A17 Pro, not just the inches.
Ignoring the cable or adapter. The 1st-generation Pencil with a newer basic iPad needs extra parts. Budget for them, or pick a Pencil that doesn’t need them.
Skipping the software update. Apple’s pairing guidance starts with updating your iPad. If a brand-new Pencil won’t connect, do that first, then work through our related guides or Apple’s pairing steps.
Before you check out
Run through this short list before ordering:
- Confirm your iPad’s exact model in Settings and find it on Apple’s list.
- Update iPadOS if it is older than the version your Pencil needs.
- Check whether you need the adapter or a cable.
- Read the listing carefully. Some listings are for refurbished or third-party items, so make sure the title says Apple and the model you want.
If you already own a Pencil and aren’t sure which one it is, Apple has a page on finding the serial number of your Apple Pencil. And if it later refuses to connect, our apps section is where to look next for what to do with it once it’s working.
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