Apple Pencil 1 vs Apple Pencil 2: - What’s the Difference between them?

Apple Pencil 1 - taking notes and drawing has never been easier

The Apple Pencil 1 was released with the first iPad Pro in 2015. It has a very similar shape to a traditional pencil. It is round, pointed, and even looks like it has a rubber at the top. They are so similar that the only difference might be that you don’t need a pencil sharpener.

Where the rubber would normally be on a pencil, there is a cap that protects the Lightning connector, which you use to charge the battery. With Apple Pencil 1, you can take notes, draw, navigate around the iPad and more. Apple Pencil 1 senses pressure, so if you press harder the line will be thicker. The same applies if you tilt it: the line will be thicker. It works perfectly even with your hand resting on the iPad screen. Just like a sheet of paper!

Apple Pencil

Apple Pencil 2, all the best bits of Apple Pencil 1 with some impressive updates

With Apple Pencil 2, four key aspects of Apple Pencil 1 have been improved. You can take the same notes, make the same strokes and enjoy the same precision, etc.

In what way is Apple Pencil 2 better than Apple Pencil 1?

Apple Pencil 2 has a flat side, to stop it rolling off a table or surface. And it has an important function: If you double-tap on it, it switches to the delete function, just like a rubber! You can change this function to switch back to the previous tool when you press on the flat part: do you want to draw in two colours? Double tap and it will switch.

Thanks to the matte finish of the Apple Pencil 2, it won’t slip out of your hands, and combined with the flat side, this works even better meaning you can use it for longer.

Another difference between Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil 1 is that it attaches to the side of the iPad magnetically, so you'll always have it with you. The best part? When placed on the side of the iPad, the battery charges so it can always be fully charged.

Apple Pencil

Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2 compatibility

Each Apple Pencil model is compatible with a specific iPad model. So you can’t just decide to buy Apple Pencil 1 or Apple Pencil 2. Why? Because the latest iPad Pro model has a square edge, making it the only one compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 because that gives it space to charge, as we’ve mentioned.
Again, the choice of which Apple Pencil to use depends on which iPad it is compatible with.

Apple Pencil 1 compatibility

iPad Pro 12.9" 1st generation (2015)
iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation (2017)
iPad Pro 9.7" (2016)
iPad Pro 10.5" (2017)
iPad 6th generation (2018)
iPad 7th generation (2019)
iPad 8th generation (2020)
iPad 9th generation (2021)
iPad Air 3rd generation (2019)
iPad mini 5 (2019)

Apple Pencil 2 compatibility

iPad pro 11" 1st generation (2019)
iPad pro 11" 2nd generation (2020)
iPad Pro 11" 3rd generation (2021)
iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd generation (2018)
iPad Pro 12.9" 4th generation (2020)
iPad Pro 12.9" 5th generation (2021)
iPad Air 4th generation (2020)
iPad mini 6th generation (2021)

Apple Pencil is the ultimate tool for unleashing your creativity - whether you're drawing, doodling, mind-mapping, note-taking, etc. It’s the iPad's best companion. Now you know the differences between Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2. This information will also help you choose the iPad model that’s right for you with more confidence. We are available to help you in our shops so that you can try our products out and ask our sales advisors for advice if you need it. We’re here for you!