Which Apple Pencil works with my iPad? A model-by-model guide

Apple now sells four kinds of Apple Pencil, and each one only works with certain iPads. This guide helps you find your exact iPad model and match it to the right Pencil before you spend money on a new or pre-owned one.

Find your iPad's model number under Settings > General > About, then match it against Apple's list. Newer iPads such as the iPad Air (M2 and later), iPad Pro (M4 and later) and iPad mini (A17 Pro) take Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (USB-C), not the 2nd generation. Older iPads with a Home button generally need the 1st generation Pencil.

• 1. Find your iPad's model number: Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Next to Model Number you will first see a part number. Tap it once and it changes to the model number, which starts with the letter A followed by four digits, such as A2696.
• 2. Turn the model number into a model name: Look up that A number on Apple's Identify your iPad model page. It tells you the exact name, for example iPad (10th generation) or iPad Air 11-inch (M2). Pencil support depends on this exact name, so do not go by screen size or the year you bought it.
• 3. Check if your iPad takes Apple Pencil Pro: Apple lists Apple 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 attaches to the side of the iPad with magnets to pair and charge, and needs iPadOS 17.5 or later.
• 4. Check if your iPad takes Apple Pencil (USB-C): This is the widest-fitting Pencil today. Apple lists it for all the Pencil Pro iPads above, plus iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd to 6th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generation), iPad (A16), iPad (10th generation) and iPad mini (6th generation). It needs iPadOS 17.1.1 or later.
• 5. Check if your iPad takes Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Apple lists the 2nd generation only for iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd to 6th generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 4th generation). It does not appear on the list for any M2 or later iPad Air, M4 or later iPad Pro, iPad mini (A17 Pro) or the iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16).
• 6. Check if your iPad needs Apple Pencil (1st generation): Older iPads use the 1st generation: iPad (6th to 9th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch and iPad Pro 9.7-inch. Apple also lists it for iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16), but only with the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter.
• 7. Decide which features you really need: Apple's comparison shows Apple Pencil (USB-C) has tilt sensitivity but no pressure sensitivity, so lines do not get thicker when you press harder. Apple Pencil Pro adds pressure sensitivity, squeeze, barrel roll, double-tap, haptic feedback and Find My. For class notes and marking up PDFs the USB-C model is often enough; for drawing, pressure matters.
• 8. Test the Pencil before you pay: If you are buying a pre-owned Pencil, meet the seller with your own iPad. Attach or plug it in as Apple describes for that model and wait for the Pair or Tap to Connect prompt. Draw a few lines in Notes, and check the Pencil's charge in the Batteries widget or under Settings > Apple Pencil.