Which Apple Pencil Should You Buy?
Photo: Julian Chokkattu
The Apple Pencil is a must-have for any iPad owner who takes a lot of notes or likes to draw. (You can even use it to sign documents.) iPadOS also has support for handwriting within certain search fields and apps (like Notes), so you don’t have to switch to the keyboard every time you want to type. Apple launched a new Pencil in 2024, so now there are four to choose from. Here are the differences:
Apple Pencil (1st generation) for $99: The first-generation pencil is old but still works well, offering pressure sensitivity (lines get thicker when you press harder on the screen) and tilt sensitivity (for shading). Unlike the other two Apple Pencils, this one has a glossy finish rather than a matte finish (if that matters), and it’s also perfectly rounded, meaning it’ll come off surfaces. There are no magnets, so you can’t stick it to the tablet for storage. It has a Lightning connector, so to charge it, you’ll have to remove the cap and plug it into the iPad’s charging port. If your iPad has a USB-C port, you can buy one adapter. Only compatible with iPad (6th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Mini (5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $69: Apple Apple Pencil for USB-C it’s a little surprising. It doesn’t come with pressure sensitivity, so it’s more suitable for note takers rather than artists. It can attach magnetically to the sides of the iPad, so you don’t have to find a place to store it, but it doesn’t support wireless charging, so you’ll have to pair it and charge it via USB-C. It supports Float Mode, which lets you preview what’s going to happen before you touch the display, but this is exclusive to select iPad Pro and iPad Air models. Compatible with iPad (10th gen and A16), iPad Air (4th, 5th gen, M2, M3, and M4), iPad Mini (6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later, including M4), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later, including M4 and M5).
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) for $129: The second-generation Apple Pencil comes with all the same capabilities as the 1st-generation versions with USB-C, plus wireless pairing and charging (it will charge when attached to the top edge of compatible iPads). It also adds a double-tap feature that lets you quickly switch between tools by double-tapping the Apple Pencil. It is parallel to iPad Air (4th and 5th generation), iPad Mini (6th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation and later), and 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later). Unfortunately, Apple has officially discontinued it, so newer iPads don’t support it, including the iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4) or iPad Pro (M4 and M5).
Apple Pencil Pro for $129: Apple Pro Pencil it is the most loaded of all the elements. It looks similar to the second-generation model, complete with a matte finish, but it also has a new approach. The “pinch” feature opens up a toolbar (including a double-tap feature), and a new haptic engine provides feedback when you pinch. A built-in gyroscope sensor lets you change the direction of the tool as you rotate it (for better control), and it supports Apple’s Find My network to track the pen when you lose it. Only compatible with iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Pro (M4 and M5), and 7th-gen iPad Mini. (Come on, why doesn’t it go backwards?)
Great iPad accessories
iPad accessories are endless. Below, we’ve featured some of our favorites to complete your tablet experience, and you can find more in our The best guide to iPad Accessories.
Photo: Luke Larsen
Twelve Curve Mini for $50: iPads can be great tools to use in conjunction with your MacBook or PC, but they require a proper stand and a lot of adjustments. The Curve Mini is simple, but sturdy and attractive, especially in this Dune color that I sampled.
Zugu Case for $50+: This is our favorite iPad case for many reasons. Not only is it durable (complete with a hard bumper), but it also has a magnetic cover that stays closed and a flap that allows you to position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, allowing you to keep it safely in the fridge. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in an array of colors, and has a place for your Apple Pencil.
Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $25: We’re already big fans of Satechi hardware at WIRED, and this mouse didn’t disappoint. It has a nice ergonomic design, sleek aluminum finish, and smooth navigation. It has good battery life too—with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and still haven’t charged it.
Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $70: This case allows you to hardwire it Apple Magic Keyboard Case without having to remove the case every time. It feels durable and doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad. There is also room for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers CoverBuddy Lite for iPad Air (M2).
-SOURCE-Brenda-Stolyar.jpg)
Photo: Brenda Stolyar
Logitech Combo Touch (Gen 10) for $220: The Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED Recommends) it comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it ideal for working on your iPad. It’s also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, meaning you never have to fiddle with Bluetooth or bother charging it. Also available for iPad Pro (M4) and M5 (although it adds a bit of weight to such a laptop) and iPad Air (M2).
Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you are worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It’s very thin, has excellent touch sensitivity, and it’s there more Fingerprint resistant (I’ve wiped dirt here and there). It’s painless to apply—the company provides a microfiber cloth, a dust remover, and wipes and wipes.
Charcoal Paper Case for $70: Paper like paper is known for its screen protection, but the company also offers a good case. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels light and high quality. You can also power up your iPad at two different levels. It does not come with a slot for the Apple Pencil, but there is a large flap closure that keeps it from falling out. I tried it with iPad Airbut also available to iPad Pro (both sizes).
Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: The port is limited regardless of the iPad model. This hub from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with pass-through charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. If you’re having trouble fitting it into the iPad and case, the included USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix this.
Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: HoverBar serves two purposes. You can place it beside your bed, counter or shelf (for comfortable and touch-free viewing), or you can use the included stand on your desk. With version 2, you can now remove the arm from the clamp and attach it directly to the stand, making it easy to switch between the two modes.
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