Apple revolutionized the digital pencil industry with its Apple Pencil when it was launched way back in 2015. It was an instant hit, and people loved this Apple product for its unique look, practical uses, and reasonable pricing.
With the launch of Apple Pencil 2 in 2018, it has become a little confusing for new buyers. If you are also confused and don’t know whether to go with Apple Pencil 1 vs 2, I’m here to help you.
These Apple Pencils are pretty good, but most people don’t know which one you should go for. In this post, I’m going to clear everything in detail. Let’s get started.
Apple Pencil 1 vs 2: a Comprehensive Comparison
I will detail the differences between these two Apple Pencils below for different categories. Pick the right one for yourself based on your requirement.
1. Compatibility:
The first thing you should look at while buying Apple Pencil 1 or Apple Pencil 2 is compatibility and see If it works with your current iPad. If you pick the wrong Apple Pencil for your iPad, it may not work for you, and you may have to return it.
iPad models that work Apple Pencil Gen 1 & 2:
Here’s the list of iPad models that work Apple Pencil 1st Generation:
- Pad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad (10th generation)
- iPad (9th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
If you are wondering what iPad models work with Apple Pencil 2, here’s the list for you:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Air (5th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
Now that I have provided this list, it’ll be easier for you to pick the right Apple Pencil for your iPad. Select the right Apple Pencil model, and you are ready.
You must keep in mind that there are a few iPad models that don’t support both Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2. If you are wondering which iPad models are those, then here is the list for you:
- iPad mini 2.
- iPad mini 3.
- iPad mini 4.
- iPad (5th generation).
- iPad Air (1st generation).
- iPad Air 2.
If you own any of these iPad, it is time to upgrade your iPad model If you want to use an Apple Pencil for your drawing purpose. We wrote a detailed post on iPad Generations just a few months back. If you want to know more about this topic, you can look.
2. Pricing:
The next thing you should look at while purchasing Apple Pencil models is the pricing. The Apple Pencil 2 is more expensive than the previous generation, but it is equipped with more advanced features than ever before.
Currently, Apple Pencil 2nd Generation comes at a price tag of $89, whereas the 1st Generation Apple Pencil would cost about.
Whether you buy an Apple Pencil online or offline, make sure you are buying it from a genuine seller because they are many copies of Apple Pencil available in the market.
3. Design:
Design is a key element of choosing any product, and Apple Pencils are no exception. The first generation of Apple Pencil is completely circular, which in real life isn’t very practical to hold for a long time.
The 2nd gen Apple Pencil has a flat edge, making it pretty easy to hold and use for a long time. The flat edge of the 2nd gen Apple pencil also has a great grip.
The 2nd generation of the Apple Pencil has a matte finish which is very less slippery compared to the previous generation of Apple Pencil, which was a glossy finish and is more slippery. The common thing you’ll notice on both Apple Pencils is the 8.9mm or 0.35 inches diameter.
Design is quite subjective, and you can go with any of these Apple Pencils based on your choice.
4. Performance:
When talking about the performance of Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2, I have to say that they are pretty much the same. I know many people would expect the Apple Pencil 2 to outperform in the performance category, but that’s not the case in reality.
Apple Pencil 1 has already performed well while drawing anything, and users have praised it for the same thing. Apple delivered the same kind of performance in their second-generation Apple Pencil.
If you want to select the right Apple Pencil based only on performance, you can’t go wrong with either of these Apple Pencils. Both Pencils are perfectly suitable for designing, note-taking, drawing, and sketching without any performance lags.
5. Storage & Charging:
The default way of charging the Apple Pencil 1 is simply by removing the cap from the top and then plugging it into the lightning connector to an iPad, which everyone doesn’t like. Also, there is no place to store the Apple Pencil 1, which is quite annoying because you must take care of it carefully or lose it.
On the other hand, charging and storing the Apple Pencil 2 is pretty convenient. You can place the Pencil on the side of your iPad, and it’ll hold it easily. If you are wondering how to charge Apple Pencil 2, it is actually by attaching it to the side of your iPad.
Both Apple Pencil has a good battery life of around 12 hours. If you plan to use it for your drawing or designing work, you can use it without worrying about battery life.
Is Apple Pencil 3 coming?
As you may already know, Apple Pencil 2 was launched about 5 years back at the end of close to 2018, and Apple fans have been waiting for the newer version of Apple Pencil.
According to a few sources, it may get launched in the market in 2024, which means you’ll be able to buy it in a year if the rumors are true.
If you want to use Apple Pencil today itself, I would suggest you go with it and don’t wait for the release of Apple Pencil 3 because there’s still plenty of time there for the launch of Apple Pencil 3, and there is no official word from Apple about that. There are only rumors as of now.
Best Apple Pencil Alternatives in 2023:
Here are some decent alternatives for Apple Pencil 1 vs 2 you can look at.
1. Logitech Crayon:
The Logitech Crayon is the closest stylus to Apple Pencil you can use now. The design is similar to Apple Pencil and is available for just $63.
Logitech Crayon shares some features with Apple Pencil such as tilt detection, artistic tool control, replaceable tips, and more; however, the Crayon misses the big one, Pressure sensitivity.
I’ll share the Apple Pencil vs Logitech Crayon detailed comparison sometime in the future. Still, for now, all I can say is Logitech Crayon is a decent alternative to Apple Pencil which you can consider buying.
2. Adonit Note+:
The second alternative for Apple Pencil I can think of is the Adonit Note+ which is slightly more expensive than the above Logitech Crayon as it comes with a price tag of $69; however, it is worth looking at it. It supports many iPad and iPad Pro models, but double-check the compatibility before buying one.
The battery life of the Adonit Note+ is about 10 hours which is relatively lower than Apple’s 12-hour battery life. The major difference between Adonit Note+ and Apple Pencil is the color. The Adonit Note+ comes in Black, whereas the Apple Pencil comes in white.
Frequently asked questions:
Unfortunately, no. The Apple Pencil 1 can’t stick to iPad as it doesn’t have a magnetic mechanism, unlike the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil.
It isn’t possible to attach your Apple Pencil 1 with your iPad like I have said above; however, what you can do instead is, get third-party accessories like a Magnetic Sleeve that may do the job for you.
No. Apple Pencil 2 doesn’t work with iPad 10th generation. The Apple Pencil 2 isn’t compatible, and I highly recommend you don’t buy it.
If you want to use an Apple Pencil with your 10th generation iPad, you should go only with Apple Pencil as it is perfectly compatible with it.
There are a few cons to using the Apple Pencil first-generation, and I think the charging style is one of the biggest. To charge your 1st Gen Apple Pencil, you’ll have to remove the cap and put the pencil in your lightning cable, which isn’t practical.
Also, the circular shape of the Apple Pencil isn’t pretty easy to hold while using it, but that’s not the case with the Apple Pencil 2.
Simply put, there are almost no differences in the performance of both Apple Pencils 1 and 2, and It would be hard to find the winner between these two pencils.
You can pick either Apple 1 or Apple 2, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with their performance as both have similar performance.
Conclusion:
Regarding the stylus, no other product on the market comes close to Apple Pencil 1 vs 2 as it is equipped with high-quality materials, smooth performance, reasonable pricing, and of course, the branding of Apple.
I hope I may have helped you choose the right option between Apple Pencil 1 vs 2, as it is quite difficult for a new user to pick the right one due to many similarities.
If you have any other questions regarding Apple Pencil, let me know in the comments below, and I’ll talk to you very soon. Thanks.
Since 2014 I have been writing about tech and helping others to fix tech issues related to Android, Windows, iOS, Chromebook, and more.
I love to help others to fix any technical issues they might be facing.
