Does Apple Pencil work on iPhone? Here’s which devices are compatible

As the most dominant tablet line on the market, the Apple iPad uses a wide range of accessories. The most important of them is Apple Pencil, a stylus that allows deeper and more precise interaction with the iPad. However, over the years, purchasing an Apple Pencil has become a bit of a pain.

At the time of writing, there are four different versions of the Apple Pencil, each compatible with a different list of devices. The current Apple Pencil line includes the original Apple Pencil 1st generation, Apple Pencil with USB-C, Apple Pencil 2nd generation, and Apple Pencil Pro. None of them work with every iPad model; some only work with a few. For example, you might think that the new Apple Pencil Pro will work with any iPad Pro, but it’s only compatible with the latest iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2 models.

Still confused? Before we determine which Apple Pencil works with which device, let’s answer the most pressing question at the top: Apple Pencil can’t be used with anything other than an iPad. This means it is not compatible with iPhone or Mac. This is unfortunate for those looking for a non-finger input method, especially considering the near-universal compatibility that competitors like Samsung have amassed in their stylus offerings.

The news isn’t that bad for iPad owners, though. Almost every tablet sold by Apple is compatible with the Apple Pencil. The trick is figuring out which one works with your specific iPad model, which practically requires a spreadsheet. So, to clarify the situation, let’s take a look at which devices are compatible with which Apple Pencil.

The Apple Pencil offering is getting more and more complicated

As Apple continues to expand its iPad and Apple Pencil lineup, compatibility between the different models of each becomes more and more complicated. There is no “Apple Pencil to rule them all” that works with every iPad. Instead, you need to find out which of the four Apple Pencil offerings works with your specific iPad model. It’s not that simple, it depends on what iPad you have; you also need to know the generation and screen size.

Starting with the original first-generation Apple Pencil, it is compatible with the iPad Mini, but only with the fifth generation. It is also compatible with the regular iPad, but only with the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth generations. Technically, you can use it with the 10th Gen, but only if you also purchase the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter, which is sold separately. It is also compatible with the third-generation iPad Air, as well as the first- and second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, as well as the 10.5-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

The second generation Apple Pencil works with iPad Mini 6th generation, iPad Air 4th and 5th generation, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generation, and iPad Pro 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 3rd generation. and 4th generation 11-in.

Apple Pencil USB-C is compatible with all sizes of iPad Pro M4, as well as iPad Pro 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations. It also works with iPad Air M2 in both sizes, as well as iPad Air 4th and 5th generation, iPad 10th generation, and iPad Mini 6th generation.

Apple Pencil Pro is the simplest. Works with both sizes of iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2.

Each Apple Pencil has different features

There are a few differences in features and compatibility across the Apple Pencil range. Depending on what you need the stylus for, you may prefer one pencil over the other. Since each Pencil’s compatibility varies across iPad lines, this difference in feature sets may also influence your decision to choose a specific iPad.

Only the Pencil Pro has new features like orientation sensitivity, touch input, and support for Apple’s Find My tool, which lets you track down your lost Pencil, just like with newer AirPods and iPhones. The Barrel Roll feature lets you treat the Pencil Pro more like a real pen, which is useful for calligraphy and other artistic styles, while Squeeze lets you pinch the pencil near its tip to open a palette for switching tools, line weights, and colors. Meanwhile, Pencil Pro’s new touch engine lets you know when your taps, squeezes, and other inputs have been registered.

Pencil Pro and Pencil 2nd Gen support wireless pairing and charging, as well as a double-tap feature that lets you quickly switch between multiple graphics tools. The original Apple Pencil has the fewest features, including pressure and tilt sensitivity.

Hover support is limited to Pencil Pro, Pencil 2nd Gen, and Pencil USB-C models, as is the ability to magnetically connect to iPads that have these magnets. However, the USB-C Pencil is not pressure sensitive, making it the only pencil without this feature.

While all of this is much more complicated than it needs to be, it’s manageable and only needs to be dealt with in the rare event that you’re purchasing a new Apple Pencil.