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The Apple Pencil that works with your iPad depends on its exact model and generation, not just its connector or screen size. Check your iPad first, then match it to Apple’s compatibility list; the four Pencil models differ in compatibility and how they pair and charge.
Apple documents Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple Pencil (2nd generation), and Apple Pencil (1st generation). USB-C supports a broad range of iPads, while the 2nd-generation Pencil is limited to specific older Pro, Air, and mini models.
Apple Pencil models compared
| Apple Pencil | Compatible iPads | Pairing and charging |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil Pro | iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4); iPad mini (A17 Pro) | Check Apple’s list for the exact model. Requires iPadOS 17.5 or later. |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–4th generations, M4, and M5); iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd–6th generations); iPad Air (4th and 5th generations); iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4); iPad (10th generation and A16); iPad mini (6th generation and A17 Pro) | Pairs and charges by USB-C cable; magnetic attachment is for storage. Requires iPadOS 17.1.1 or later. |
| Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | iPad mini (6th generation); iPad Air (4th and 5th generations); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–4th generations); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd–6th generations) | Attaches to the iPad’s magnetic connector to pair and charge. |
| Apple Pencil (1st generation) | iPad mini (5th generation); iPad (6th–10th generations and A16); iPad Air (3rd generation); iPad Pro 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch; iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generations) | Pairs and charges via Lightning. iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16) require the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. |
Compatibility and software requirements above follow Apple’s compatibility list. Check that list before buying, as support can change when Apple adds iPad models.
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How to identify your iPad and choose
- Find your iPad’s full model name and generation in Settings > General > About.
- Match that exact model to the compatibility table. Do not assume that two iPads with the same connector or screen size support the same Pencil.
- Compare the pairing and charging method. The USB-C Pencil charges by cable; magnetic attachment stores it but does not charge it. The 2nd-generation Pencil attaches magnetically to pair and charge.
- If you choose the 1st-generation Pencil for an iPad (10th generation) or iPad (A16), get the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. Apple says it is required for pairing and charging on those iPads.
What to know about each model
Apple Pencil Pro
Apple lists Pencil Pro for iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch models with M4 or M5, iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch models with M2, M3, or M4, and iPad mini with A17 Pro. It requires iPadOS 17.5 or later. Do not assume it works with other iPads.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Compatible with 2018-2026 iPad & iPad Pro】The stylus supports for iPad series 2018-2026 model: iPad Pro 13" (M4), iPad Pro 12.9"(3rd/4th/5th/6th), iPad Pro 11"(All Generations), iPad Air M4/M3/M2/5th/4th/3rd Gen, iPad 11th/10th/9th/8th/7th/6th, iPad Mini 7th/6th/5th Gen. Please confirm your devices before you place an order, another model is invalid
- 【Not compatible with models before 2018】The stylus doesn't support iPad pro 1st&2nd, iPad pro 10.5", iPad pro 9.7", iPad 1 to 5 Gen, iPad mini 1 to 4 Gen, iPad Air 1st/2nd Gen versions of iPad. Not Compatible With iPhone, Android, Microsoft devices.iPad 10gen cannt use magnetic attraction.
- 【Precise and Smooth】1.5mm pen tip can replace your finger to execute finer instructions, it easy to install and tear off the tips on your stylus pen without any tool. No lag/offset/breaking point！Compared with the ordinary stylus pen, it has higher sensitivity, more accurate signal, more comfortable hand. Not easy to break!【 Note 】The stylus pen no pressure-sensitive design.
- 【Palm Rejection Design】Stylus pen with palm rejection technology, rest your hand naturally on the screen while writing or drawing, effortless interaction with your screen, gives you more accuracy and control against the screen. We commend you to use this pen on the iPad with a glass screen protector.
- 【Touch Switch & Fast Charging】Activate this stylus pen with a simple touch of the cap button. A quick 5-15 minute charge provides 15 hours of work time. Please note: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad for normal use, no pairing required.
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
This model works with a wider range of iPads, including several generations of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, and standard iPad. Apple says it pairs and charges via a USB-C Charge Cable. Its magnetic attachment is for storage, not charging. It requires iPadOS 17.1.1 or later.
Apple’s technical specification lists tilt sensitivity and low latency, and describes hover support for selected iPad Pro and M2/M3 iPad Air models. Hover support depends on the iPad; do not assume it is available on every compatible device.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
This Pencil is compatible with iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generations), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–4th generations), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd–6th generations). It pairs and charges by attaching to a compatible iPad’s magnetic connector. Magnetic attachment alone does not mean an iPad supports this Pencil.
Rank #2
- 【2X Faster Charge】: Metapen Pencil A8 fully charges in just 30 minutes via USB-C and lasts up to 10 hours. 1-min charge = 50-min use; 4 min fast charge = 2 hour use. The LED indicator displays different colors based on battery level, reminding you to recharge in time. It automatically shuts down after 5 minutes of inactivity for better energy efficiency. Note: A8 does not support magnetic charging or wireless charging via iPad.
- 【More Durable Tips】: Made of high-quality polymer, the Metapen's tips pass a 20 km durability test—2X more durable than original iPencil tips(NOTE：The package comes with two nibs, one already installed and one as a spare). Their internal structure remains intact even after 3,000 impacts. Each Metapen A8 pen comes with two extra replaceable tips , saving costs for frequent users
- 【Metal Barrel & Palm Rejection】: Metapen A8 Aluminum Metal Barrel iPad stylus pen supports Palm Rejection, so no need for a glove, with metal barrel, this stylus pen can provide you with a better writing experience. You can rest your palm or fingers on the screen during sketching, drawing, or writing. All-metal aluminum barrel: 4x harder, 10x more wear-resistant than plastic.Metal weight, metal strength. Not plastic. 200 MPa flexural strength, survives 1.2m drops 50+ times. A stronger and more durable iPad A16 penicl for Child/Kids than plastic iPad pencil.
- 【Quick Connect and Double Magnets】: No need to connect via Bluetooth or apps. Simply double-tap the invisible touch switch on the rounded end of A8 to power ON/OFF. With two built-in magnets, the Metapen iPad Pen securely attaches to your iPad anytime, no more rolling away or getting lost. (NOTE: Wireless Charging is NOT Supported. NO magnetic attachment for iPad Air 3rd/M2/M3 Gen, iPad 6th/7th/8th/9th/10th/11th Gen, iPad mini 5th/7th, iPad Pro M4)
- 【Make Sure Your iPad Model is Compatible】: Metapen Pencil A8 is ONLY compatible with the iPad models 2018-2026: iPad 11/10/9/8/7/6 Gen, iPad Pro 13-inch M4, iPad Pro 11-inch 1/2/3/4/M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/M2/M3, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3/4/5/6 Gen, iPad Mini 5/6 Gen. NOTE: The Pencil A8 is NOT compatible with iPads before 2018, iPhone, Android or Microsoft devices. Please check your iPad model before ordering
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
Apple lists this model for a range of older iPads, as well as iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16). Apple describes it as pressure- and tilt-sensitive. It pairs and charges via Lightning, but the two USB-C iPads require the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter for pairing and charging.
Do not confuse USB-C and 2nd generation
Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) are different products. Some iPads support both, but their charging methods differ: USB-C charges with a cable, while 2nd generation pairs and charges through magnetic attachment. Check the exact iPad in Apple’s list before choosing between them.
If your Apple Pencil will not pair
Apple advises checking compatibility, charging the Pencil, and using the correct connector. For some magnetic models, remove the case or cover while troubleshooting. Consult Apple’s pairing guidance if these checks do not resolve the problem.
Rank #3
- 🖊【Wide Compatibility】: Stylus pen supports iPad 2018-2026 series:iPad 11th 11 inch 2025/10/9/8/7/6th Gen，iPad Air 11 inch (M4) 2026/13 inch (M4) 2026/7/6/5/4/3th Gen，iPad Pro 13 inch M4，iPad Pro 12.9 inch 3/4/5/6th Gen，iPad Pro 11 inch 1/2/3/4th/M4，iPad Mini 7th (A17 Pro)/6/5th Gen.NOTE: The Pencil is NOT compatible with iPad models before 2018, iPhone, Android and Microsoft devices. Please check your product model before placing an order.
- 🖊【Ultra-fast Charging/Ultra-long Battery Life】: Hastraith stylus pen for ipad uses a Type-C interface for charging and can be fully charged in just 13 minutes. It also has an ultra-long battery life of more than 10 hours of continuous use, which can meet the needs of long-term writing or drawing.
- 🖊【Tilt Sensitivity and Palm Rejection】: Hastraith ipad pen uses tilt pressure sensing technology, which can dynamically adjust the line thickness according to the different tilt angles of the pen side. The full-screen palm rejection function ensures that when using a capacitive pen, the finger or palm touching the screen will not cause accidental touches, while ensuring the smoothness and stability of writing.
- 🖊【Battery Display/No Bluetooth Required】:No need for Bluetooth connection, turn on this stylus pen by simply touching the cap button. Hastraith ipad pencil has 3 battery indicator lights: All lights on: 70%-100% power, 2 lights on: 30%-70% power, 1 light on: 5%-30% power, 1 light flashing: less than 5% power. Therefore, you can view the battery consumption progress in real time so that you can charge it before important work begins.
- 🖊【Package Included】: 1 * smart stylus, 1 * type-c charging cable, 3 * replacement nibs, 1 * dust cover, 1 * silicone protective cover, 1 * user manual. Hastraith provides you with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty, if you have any questions about our products, please contact us. Note: If it does not work after turning on, please turn off the Bluetooth of the iPad.
FAQ
Which Apple Pencil works with my iPad?
Look up the full iPad model and generation in Settings > General > About, then match it to Apple’s compatibility list. Connector type alone is not enough to determine compatibility.
Does Apple Pencil Pro work with my iPad?
Apple lists Pencil Pro for iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4), and iPad mini (A17 Pro). It requires iPadOS 17.5 or later.
Will Apple Pencil (2nd generation) work with iPad 10th generation?
No. Apple’s compatibility list does not include iPad (10th generation) for Apple Pencil (2nd generation). It lists Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation) for that iPad; the 1st-generation model requires the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter.
Rank #4
- WHY APPLE PENCIL - With pixel-perfect precision, tilt sensitivity, and low latency, Apple Pencil (USB-C) makes note-taking, signing documents, and drawing easy at an affordable price. It pairs and charges via USB-C and can magnetically attach to your iPad.
- COMPATIBILITY - Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4); iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and M3); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad mini (6th generation); and iPad (10th generation).
- EASY AND NATURAL - Write, sketch, and draw with pixel-perfect precision. Apple Pencil (USB-C) does it all with low latency and tilt sensitivity. Apple Pencil pairs and charges via USB-C and features a flat edge that attaches magnetically.
- TRANSFORMS IPAD INTO A CANVAS - Draw, sketch, color, take notes, and mark up documents. Use built-in apps like Notes and Freeform, or choose from over a million more apps available on the App Store. And for pros, use Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro and iPad Air to preview your mark before you make it.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Do I need an adapter for Apple Pencil (1st generation)?
Apple requires the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter to pair and charge the 1st-generation Pencil with iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16). For other compatible iPads, check the connector and Apple’s setup instructions.
Does Apple Pencil (USB-C) charge magnetically?
No. Apple says it pairs and charges via a USB-C Charge Cable. Magnetic attachment is for storage.
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