Do all iPad Pro models support the Apple Pencil? What are the differences between the Apple Pencil models? Which Apple Pencil models are compatible with which iPad Pro models?

All iPad Pro models support an Apple Pencil, but not all support the same Apple Pencil.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Top: Apple Pencil 1; Bottom: Apple Pencil 2)

Differences Between Apple Pencil Models (Skip)

In a sure sign of excessively creeping complexity within Apple's product lines, there are four currently sold Apple Pencil models:

* The Apple Pencil (USB-C) attaches magnetically to the side of iPad Pro models with this capability but it only charges via a physical USB-C connection.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro 3rd Gen with Apple Pencil 2 on top)

The primary differences are listed above, but the four different Apple Pencil models also have a variety of feature differences:

* The Apple Pencil (USB-C) has a non-removable cap that slides to reveal the USB-C port for charging.

Based on hands-on use, the Apple Pencil 2, or "2nd Gen" as it is referred to in some places, was a massive improvement over the original Apple Pencil:

• The original Apple Pencil charges awkwardly by removing its end cap and plugging it into a Lightning port. The Apple Pencil 2, by contrast, charges by snapping into place via magnets in the frame of compatible iPad Pro models. This becomes the obvious place to store the Apple Pencil 2, as well.
• When the Apple Pencil 2 snaps into place on the frame of a compatible iPad Pro, the iOS notifies you of its charging status on the display.
• Unlike its predecessor, the Apple Pencil 2 has no end cap, so there is nothing to misplace or roll under the seat on the train.
• The Apple Pencil 2 is hexagonal like many actual pencils and lightly textured, so it is more familiar and pleasant to hold than the original.
• The Apple Pencil 2 makes it easy to switch between stroke type or tools by double tapping its side with your finger.

Compared to the original Apple Pencil, the Apple Pencil 2 was so much better that it became hard to ever go back to using the first version.

The Apple Pencil Pro is more of a refinement of the Apple Pencil 2 with some features that artists will like in particular. For example, being able to roll the barrel to change the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools feels very natural. However, the compatibility restriction to the latest iPad Pro M4 models -- and iPad Air M2 models, which use the same processors as the previous, oddly incompatible iPad Pro (11" 4th Gen/12.9" 6th Gen) models -- seems unnecessary and reeks of a desperate attempt to force users to buy a new iPad model.

Likewise, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) clearly is a step backwards from the earlier Apple Pencil 2 in basically every respect -- being able to attach it magnetically but not charge magnetically is awkward at best -- and it certainly seems to exist mostly to cater to more budget conscious consumers (who probably are buying a less expensive iPad or iPad Air model rather than an iPad Pro).

Apple Pencil Compatibility with Different iPad Pro Models

Different iPad Pro models support different versions of the Apple Pencil and compatibility is not obvious based on whether or not it has a magnetic connection on the side, either:

If you are not sure which iPad Pro you have, a simple way to identify each is by its Model Number; externally displayed toward the bottom on the back of each device.

To track down a particular iPad Pro by a variety of different identifiers, please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.

Apple Authorized site sponsor Adorama sells all Apple Pencil models -- the original Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Apple Pencil Pro.