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 also use it to sign documents.) iPadOS also has handwriting support within certain search fields and apps (like Notes), so you don’t need to switch to the keyboard every time you want to type. Apple released a new pencil in 2024, so there are four options. Here are the differences:
Apple Pencil (first generation) for $99: The first-generation pencil is quite old but still works well, offering pressure sensitivity (lines get bigger the more you press down on the screen) and tilt sensitivity (creating blur). Unlike the other two Apple Pencils, this one has a glossy finish instead of a matte one (if that matters), and it’s also perfectly round, which means it will slide off the surface. There are no magnets, so you can’t attach 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 an adapter. Compatible only 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’s USB-C pencil is a bit confusing. It doesn’t come with pressure sensitivity, so it’s better suited for note takers than musicians. It can attach magnetically to the sides of the iPad, so you don’t need 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 Hover Mode, which lets you preview what’s going to happen before touching the display, but this is exclusive to the 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-gen) for $129: Apple’s second-generation pencil comes with all the same capabilities as the 1st-gen version and USB-C, as well as wireless pairing and charging (it will charge when firmly attached to the top edge of supported iPads). It also adds a double-tap feature that lets you quickly switch between tools by double-tapping the Apple Pencil. Compatible with iPad Air (4th gen and 5th gen), iPad Mini (6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later), and 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later). Unfortunately, Apple has officially discontinued it, so newer iPads do not support it, including iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4) or iPad Pro (M4 and M5).
Apple Pencil Pro for $129: Apple’s Pro Pencil is the most full-featured of them all. It looks similar to the second generation model, complete with a matte finish, but also has a few new tricks. The “squeeze” feature opens up a tool palette (in addition to the double-tap feature), and a new haptic engine provides feedback as you press. A built-in gyroscope sensor lets you change the shape of the tools as you twist them (for better control), and it supports Apple’s Find My network to track the stylus when you lose it. Compatible only with iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Pro (M4 and M5), and 7th-gen iPad Mini. (C’mon, why isn’t it backwards compatible?)
Best iPad accessories
iPad accessories are endless. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to round out your tablet experience, and you can find more at Best iPad Accessories guide.
Photo: Luke Larsen
Twelve South Curve Mini for $50: iPads can be great devices to use alongside your MacBook or PC, but they need a proper stand with lots of adjustments. The Curve Mini is simple, but stable and attractive, especially in this Dune color I sampled.
Zugu case for $50+: This is our favorite iPad folio case for many reasons. Not only is it sturdy (complete with a sturdy bumper), but it also has a magnetic cover that stays closed and a flap that lets you position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, allowing you to attach it to the fridge safely. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in several colors, and has a place for your Apple Pencil.
Satechi M1 wireless mouse for $25: We’re already big fans of Satechi accessories at WIRED, and this mouse did not disappoint. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, smooth aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It has great battery life too—it has a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and I haven’t charged it yet.
Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $70: This case allows you to magnetically attach it to the Apple Magic Keyboard case without having to remove the case each time. It feels solid and doesn’t add much bulk to the iPad. There is also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers the CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).
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Photo: Brenda Stolyar
Logitech Combo Touch (10th-Gen) for $220: The Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it perfect for getting work done 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 don’t need to set it up via Bluetooth or bother charging it. It’s also available on the iPad Pro (M4) and M5 (although it adds a bit of weight to such a small tablet) and the iPad Air (M2).
Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It is very thin, has excellent touch sensitivity, and it is mostly fingerprint resistant (I wiped smudges here and there). It’s easy to use—the company provides a microfiber cloth, dust removal sticker, and wet and dry wipes.
A paper-like Charcoal Folio case costs $70: Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. Designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels lightweight and high quality. You can also support your iPad in two different levels. It doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but there is a large flap closure that keeps it from falling out. I tested it on an iPad Air, but it’s also available on the iPad Pro (both sizes).
Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are limited regardless of 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 have trouble getting it into an iPad with a case, a socket-USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix this.
Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it on your bedside, kitchen counter, or shelf (for comfortable and hands-free viewing), or you can use the included stand on your desk. With the 2nd-gen version, you can now remove the arm from the grip and attach it directly to the stand, making it easy to switch between the two modes.
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