iPads & Apple Pencils : Guide To Apple Pencil 1 and 2 Compatibility

According to statistics, Apple – in their 4th quarter of their financial year in 2022 – have made close to 7.15 Bn US dollars in revenue and we’re talking about just the iPads here. Believing this number to be true, it can be described as the tech giant’s most notable product after the iPhone and MacBook. And it is not just the iPads that are raking in huge numbers for Apple, it is also the extension to provide the complete support for iPad lovers, tech enthusiasts who are often on the move, or for those artistic souls who depend on their iPads for their daily bread and butter. We are talking about the sale of Apple’s Magic Keyboard and the Apple pencil.

Apple Magic Keyboard – Apple’s Magic Keyboard is to provide a precise and comfortable typing experience making the iPad as useful as the MacBook for some specific purposes. It is sleek, it is light, and it is easy to do your job away from your desk with the Magic Keyboard by your side.

Apple Pencil – Apple Pencil, on the other hand, is a smart and stylish way to focus on drawing, note-taking, and marking activities on the various iPads. It is a precise and modern-day tool, which can be compared to the previous-generation stylus and other functional pens that accompanied phones and tablets. But the Apple pencil is way ahead of any yesteryear stylus pen and that’s why Apple’s marketing heads have been able to market it to perfection in the last decade.

Usually, people know their tech well. But when it comes to finding out the right Apple Pencil generation for their iPad they’re more or less confused or don’t have a resource to find out what’s right. Here in this blog, we explain to you the types (or generations) of Apple Pencils that are available officially from Apple. We will also take you across for understanding the Apple Pencil compatibility – to find out which generations of Apple Pencils are compatible with what generations of iPads.

This will help you make a wise decision in case you’re planning to buy a new iPad or simply looking out to purchase an Apple Pencil. Stay tuned.

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Apple Pencil Compatibility – Generation 1

Apple Pencil Generation 1 works with the following iPads:

• iPad 9 (2021)
• iPad 8 (2020)
• iPad Air 3 (2019)
• iPad Mini 5 (2019)
• iPad 7 [10.2 inch] (2019)
• iPad 6 [9.7 inch] (2018)
• iPad Pro 2nd Gen [12.9 inch] (2017)
• iPad Pro 2nd Gen [10.5 inch] (2017)
• iPad Pro 1st Gen [9.7 inch] (2016)
• iPad Pro 1st Gen [12.9 inch] (2016)

Apple Pencil Compatibility – Generation 2

Apple Pencil Generation 2 works with the following iPads:

• iPad Air 5 (2022)
• iPad Air 4 (2020)
• iPad Mini 6 (2021)
• iPad Pro 5th Gen [12.9 inch] (2021)
• iPad Pro 5th Gen [11 inch] (2021)
• iPad Pro 4th Gen [12.9 inch] (2020)
• iPad Pro 4th Gen [11 inch] (2020)
• iPad Pro 3rd Gen [12.9 inch] (2018)
• iPad Pro 3rd Gen [11 inch] (2018)

iPads Without Apple Pencil Compatibility

Unfortunately, there are some iPads with no Apple Pencil compatibility. These include:

• iPad 5 [9.7 inch] (2015)
• 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 (2012)
• iPad 3 (2012)
• iPad 2 (2011)
• iPad 1 (2010)

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The Science Behind Apple Pencils & iPads

If you’re wondering why some models support Apple Pencil generation 1 and some support Apple Pencil generation 2, you will have to understand the science behind this collaborative behaviour of the different iPads and different generations of Apple Pencils. Here we do exactly that. The Apple Pencil (Gen 2) works in conjunction with the pen-enabled surface of the iPad

By measuring and collecting the location, pressure, and orientation (tilt) data is combined to produce the pen output as users work and use the tip of the pencil for various tasks. Out of all, the pressure sensing unit is of utmost importance and you can learn all about it here.

Apple Pencil Generation 1 – Those having iPads, compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, can tell by looking at the curved design of their yesteryear iPads. We say yesteryear because the 1st generation Apple Pencil covers basically the older generation of iPads and the 2nd generation Apple Pencil is an upgrade of this version.

Unlike the magnetic effect charging and connecting possibility on its successor model, this one can be charged by plugging it directly into the iPad. The cap of the pencil can be removed to attach the lightning port connector onto the iPad. This was super cool but the magnets on Apple Pencil 2 made the whole experience much cooler.

Apple Pencil Generation 2 – Those having iPads, compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, can tell by looking at the charging and pairing panel that’s specifically marked on the side panel or bezel. The shape of the iPads being edged and not curved can tell users that they’re compatible with the similarly designed Apple Pencil Gen 2. The edged panel connects well with the edged (on one side) design of the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. Also, the arrival of USB-C throws out any possibility of connecting the previous gen Apple Pencil with the new iPads.

Double Tap Feature – unlike the seamless possibilities of the previous Apple Pencil, the 2nd generation Apple Pencil allows the double-tap feature to be used with finesse. It allows users to double tap on the front half of the pencil to switch to different tools on apps like GoodNotes, Creator, and to use other Apple Pencil compatibility options.

The magnetic effect helps you place, charge, and connect your Apple Pencil with the iPad without any wire, dongle, or USB port requirement.

Tip: Even though there are plenty of articles on the internet claiming you can use different stylus pens and pencil alternatives, it is advised that you use only the authentic Apple Pencil to safeguard your device’s performance and improve its longevity.

If you have any iPad screen replacement requirement or your Apple Pencil is not working properly, you can get in touch with the experts to get your iPad serviced and repaired at the earliest. Get a pick and drop service free, call or WhatsApp today to book your device pickup now.

For other Apple repairs and service requirements click here.

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