Is the first generation apple pencil compatible with ipad air

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Apple Pencil compatibility: How to check your iPad
About the Author
Michael Potuck
Michael Potuck's favorite gear
What iPad Models Are Compatible With the Apple Pencil 1?
What iPad Models Are Compatible With the Apple Pencil 2?
Find the Right Apple Pencil for You
Does the 1st generation Apple Pencil work with iPad Air?
What iPads work with Apple Pencil 1st gen?

Want to see if your iPad works with Apple Pencil? Read on for a list of which iPads work with the first- and second-generation writing and drawing tool to check Apple Pencil compatibility.

Not all iPads are compatible with the first- or second-generation Apple Pencil, but most of the iPads released in the last few years support the writing tool.

If you were given one, or already bought one, here’s how to know which model you have: the first-generation Apple Pencil is fully cylindrical with a glossy finish and Lightning connector, the second-generation has a flat side with a matte finish and no Lightning connector.

If you haven’t bought one yet, double-check the iPad and Apple Pencil compatibility details below.

Apple Pencil compatibility: How to check your iPad

First-generation Apple Pencil works with:

iPad Air 3rd gen
iPad mini 5th gen
iPad 6th gen and later
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st or 2nd gen

Second-generation Apple Pencil works with:

iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd gen and later
iPad Pro 11-inch 1st gen and later
iPad Air 4th gen and later
iPad mini 6th gen

Learn more about Apple Pencil on the official support page here. Thanks for reading our guide on how to check Apple Pencil compatibility!

For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how to guide as well as the following articles:

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About the Author

Michael Potuck

@michaelpotuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.

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Find out what Apple Pencil is compatible with your iPad before you buy one.

Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2

While both generations of Apple Pencil offer pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and barely noticeable lag, there are some critical differences between them. For most prospective Apple Pencil owners, one of the key concerns they encounter is compatibility.

When Apple introduced then second-generation Apple Pencil, it announced that the new pencil would not work with older iPad models. In the same vein, while the first-generation Apple Pencil works for older iPad models, it is incompatible with many later iPad models.

So, here’s a look at which Apple Pencil generation works for each iPad model.

What iPad Models Are Compatible With the Apple Pencil 1?

A person wearing headphones looks at a MacBook while hovering an Apple Pencil over an iPad

Priced at $99, the first-generation Apple Pencil has a smooth finish with no options for engraving. Unlike the Apple Pencil 2, the Apple Pencil 1 is incapable of wireless charging. However, there’s more than one way to charge an Apple Pencil using its lightning port.

Here are all the iPad models that are compatible with the Apple Pencil 1:

iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad mini (5th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch

What iPad Models Are Compatible With the Apple Pencil 2?

Lego Men Holding Apple Pencil

In 2018, Apple launched the Apple Pencil 2. Priced at $129, the second-generation Apple Pencil comes with a matte finish and free engraving. Unlike the Apple Pencil 1, the Apple Pencil 2 has a double-tap feature to change tools. For compatible iPad models, the second-generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad to charge.

Here are all the iPad models that are compatible with Apple Pencil 2:

iPad mini (6th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, and 5th generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation)
iPad Air (4th generation)

Find the Right Apple Pencil for You

Before buying an Apple Pencil, make sure that it works for your particular iPad model first. To do that, go to Settings > General > About on your iPad. The first-generation Apple Pencil has been around for a while now and is still the only compatible model for many older and more affordable iPad models.

For those looking to upgrade to a newer iPad mini, iPad Pro, or iPad Air, you’ll need to purchase a new second-generation Apple Pencil to go along with it.

Does the 1st generation Apple Pencil work with iPad Air?

Apple Pencil (1st generation) iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation) iPad (10th generation)* iPad Air (3rd generation) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)

What iPads work with Apple Pencil 1st gen?

Stylus Pen Pencil 1st Generation Gen Replacement Compatible For Apple iPad Pro 1st & 2nd iPad 6th & 7th iPad Mini 5th iPad Air 3rd Gen Generation and iOS Android Capacitive Tablet Touch Screen (White)