In 2025, selecting the right Apple Pencil for your iPad remains a complicated task.
The new iPad models for 2025 and the iPad Air with the M3 chip from Apple do not show changes in compatibility with the Apple Pencil.
Apple has today unveiled two new iPad models in a revamped product launch that spans from the most affordable model to a mid-range option. The iPad 2022 has received a much-needed update, incorporating more modern specifications, while the new iPad Air with M3 chip hits the market less than ten months after its previous version. Although this latest update to the iPad Air may seem somewhat unnecessary, it remains a solid tablet that many could consider a worthy alternative to the iPad Pro. However, it has not experienced significant changes compared to its predecessor.
On the other hand, the most affordable iPad model is the first to debut in the era of Apple Intelligence, but interestingly, it does not support this technology. The device features an A16 chip, the same one found in the iPhone 15, although with some fewer CPU/GPU cores. While it represents a performance improvement over the A14 chip from 2020, it falls short in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Amidst these new additions, the confusion in Apple’s stylus lineup remains palpable. The company has expanded its range of Apple Pencils, and despite the complications that may arise from purchasing them, there are currently four different models available.
- Apple Pencil (1st generation): Launched in 2015, it charges directly from the iPad using a Lightning connector.
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Introduced in 2018, it charges magnetically on the side of the redesigned iPad Pro models.
- Apple Pencil (USB-C): Launched in late 2023, it is a more affordable alternative specifically designed for the entry-level iPad, charging via a standard USB-C cable.
- Apple Pencil Pro: Released in 2024, it charges magnetically and is offered alongside the M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro.
Despite the fact that Apple should have discontinued the first-generation Apple Pencil, the company continues to sell and support this model even with the latest iPad. The arrival of the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is introduced as a solution to the charging issue of the original pencil, allowing for a more convenient connection via a USB-C cable.
Unfortunately, while the new Apple Pencil represents progress by adding support for features like hover, it lacks the pressure sensitivity that characterizes the first-generation pencil. This may be why Apple maintains support for it, especially given that the new iPad is almost identical to the 2022 model, except for the internal chip.
The situation in Apple's iPad lineup, which includes the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini, is simpler: 2024 models and later are compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, while earlier models use the second-generation Apple Pencil. The first-generation Apple Pencil remains an option for those requiring a pressure-sensitive stylus on the budget iPad.
In conclusion, the new generation of the Apple Pencil (USB-C) positions itself as the most suitable option for most iPad users, offering a good balance of price and basic functionality. Additionally, it’s important to note that there are many alternatives to the Apple Pencil on the market, reflecting Apple’s need to simplify its product line.
