Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C vs Gen 2 vs Gen 1: Specs Comparison and Compatibility

The speculations have turned out to be true. Apple launched the new Apple Pencil Pro at its “Let Loose” event on May 7. It was Apple’s first event of the year primarily focused on new hardware. The Cupertino tech giant unveiled the much-awaited OLED iPad Pro and the first-ever 12.9-inch iPad Air model. The Apple Pencil Pro is an amazing addition that brings some exciting new features for iPad users. In case you’re planning to buy an Apple Pencil or are excited to swap the older stylus for a new one, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve compared all the Apple Pencils, so you can choose the right option. So, let’s get started and pick the best Apple Pencil for your iPad.

Apple Pencils: Features Compared

With the latest Apple Pencil Pro, Apple introduced a host of new features like Find My app support and squeeze gestures that work with the new iPad models. Here’s a full rundown of the features supported by different Apple Pencil models.

Apple Pencil Compatibility

While we’re talking about the Apple Pencils, it’s important to understand which Apple Pencil works with which iPad models. Yes, not all Apple Pencils work with all iPads. For complete details, check out the compatibility list below:

Apple Pencil Pro

• 11-inch iPad Pro M4
• 13-inch iPad Pro M4
• 11-inch iPad Air M2
• 13-inch iPad Air M2

Apple Pencil USB-C

• iPad 10th generation
• iPad mini 6th generation
• iPad Air 4th and 5th generation
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation
• 11-inch iPad Pro 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation

Apple Pencil 2

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

Apple Pencil 1

• iPad 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation
• iPad mini 5th generation
• iPad Air 3rd generation
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st and 2nd generation

In case you don’t know which iPad you own, you can check out the iPad generation here.

Apple Pencil Pricing

Apple launched the new Apple Pencil Pro at $129, that’s the same price tag for the Apple Pencil 2nd generation. Amongst all the models, the Apple Pencil USB-C remains the most affordable option at $79. Check out the pricing for all Apple Pencil models:

• New Apple Pencil Pro: $129
• Apple Pencil USB-C: $79
• Apple Pencil 2: $129
• Apple Pencil 1: $99

Should You Upgrade to the New Apple Pencil Pro?

The new Apple Pencil Pro brings some notable upgrades like the new barrel roll and squeeze gesture support. That said, not every user needs these features. Also, you should always factor in the compatibility angle while choosing a stylus for your Apple Tablet.

If you’ve got a USB-C iPad and are looking for a budget-friendly Apple Pencil that gets the job done, the Apple Pencil USB-C is an affordable and capable stylus. Sure you’ll miss out on the flagship features offered by the latest stylus, but for someone who prefers a budget-friendly option, the USB-C one remains a top pick.

Coming to the $129 Apple Pencil Pro, it is by far the most feature-rich and top-of-the-line option. With some much-needed upgrades like Find My app support, the new Apple Pencil Pro is bound to deliver the best overall experience and comes at the same price as the Apple Pencil 2nd generation. If you’re a digital artist and own a modern iPad, the Apple Pencil Pro is the best option and a worthy upgrade.

What do you think about the new Apple Pencil Pro? Which stylus are you planning to buy? Don’t forget to share your views in the comments below.