# Apple Pencil Comparison: Which One Suits Your iPad Best?
Apple has broadened its stylus range, now featuring **four distinct Apple Pencils**: the **1st Generation**, **2nd Generation**, **USB-C Apple Pencil**, and the newest **Apple Pencil Pro**. With a variety of choices, selecting the appropriate one for your iPad may seem daunting. This article will outline the fundamental differences, compatibility, pricing, and features of each Apple Pencil to assist you in making a well-informed choice.
## Apple Pencil Variants and Compatibility
### 1. **Apple Pencil (1st Generation)**
– **Price**: $99
– **Compatibility**:
– iPads equipped with **Lightning ports**.
– Also works with the **10th-generation iPad** (USB-C), but a dongle is necessary for charging and pairing.
– **Key Features**:
– Pressure sensitivity.
– Pixel-perfect precision.
– Low latency.
– Tilt sensitivity.
The 1st Generation Apple Pencil is the most dated model and is targeted mainly at iPads with Lightning ports. For iPads featuring a USB-C port, a dongle is required for charging and pairing, which can be inconvenient. While it provides basic stylus functionalities such as pressure sensitivity and tilt, it does not include the advanced features found in newer iterations.
### 2. **Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)**
– **Price**: $129
– **Compatibility**:
– **iPad Pro** (up to M2 models).
– **iPad Air M1**.
– **iPad mini 6**.
– **Key Features**:
– Pressure sensitivity.
– Wireless pairing and charging.
– Double-tap feature to switch tools.
– Attaches magnetically to the iPad.
– Supports **Apple Pencil hover** on iPad Pro.
The 2nd Generation Apple Pencil is a notable improvement over the 1st Generation, providing wireless charging and pairing, along with the feature to magnetically attach to the side of compatible iPads. It also integrates a useful **double-tap** function for tool switching, enhancing versatility for creative users.
### 3. **USB-C Apple Pencil**
– **Price**: $79
– **Compatibility**:
– iPads with **USB-C ports**, such as the **M4 iPad Pro**, **M2 iPad Air**, and **iPad mini 7**.
– **Key Features**:
– Pixel-perfect precision.
– Low latency.
– Tilt sensitivity.
– Attaches magnetically to the iPad.
– Supports **Apple Pencil hover** on iPad Pro.
Launched in October 2023, the USB-C Apple Pencil provides a cost-effective choice for iPad users with USB-C ports. While it doesn’t feature pressure sensitivity, it retains essential functionalities like pixel-perfect precision and tilt sensitivity. It also magnetically attaches to the iPad for ease of storage and transport. However, it does not support wireless charging or pairing and misses advanced features like **double-tap** or **pressure sensitivity**.
### 4. **Apple Pencil Pro**
– **Price**: $129
– **Compatibility**:
– **M4 iPad Pro**.
– **M2 iPad Air**.
– **iPad mini 7**.
– **Key Features**:
– All features of the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil.
– **Barrel roll**: Rotate the barrel to alter tool orientation.
– **Squeeze**: Opens a palette to switch tools, line weights, and colors.
– **Haptic feedback**: Offers tactile responses when using the Pencil.
– **Find My**: Helps locate your Apple Pencil through the Find My app.
The Apple Pencil Pro stands as the most sophisticated stylus in the collection, tailored for professionals and creatives who require greater control and customization. It features unique functionalities like **barrel roll** and **squeeze** for intuitive tool switching, plus **haptic feedback** for a more tactile interaction. Additionally, the **Find My** feature ensures that you never misplace your Apple Pencil.
## Key and Missing Features Across Models
### Common Features (Present in All Models):
– **Pixel-perfect precision**: Facilitates accurate writing, sketching, and drawing.
– **Low latency**: Ensures a natural and responsive experience akin to traditional pencil usage on paper.
– **Tilt sensitivity**: Permits shading and various effects by tilting the Pencil.
### Features Available in USB-C and 2nd Generation Models:
– **Magnetic attachment**: Conveniently store the Pencil on the side of your iPad.
– **Apple Pencil hover**: Preview strokes before applying them on iPad Pro models.
### Features Exclusive to 2
