The fastest way to tell which Apple Pencil you have is to check the model number in your iPad's settings. Pair your Apple Pencil, then go to Settings > General > About > Apple Pencil, and you will see the model number, which is the single most reliable identification step.
Identify the Apple Pencil (1st generation) by its design
The Apple Pencil (1st generation) has a glossy, completely cylindrical body with a removable cap that reveals a Lightning connector for pairing and charging. If you need to calibrate your Apple Pencil, you must first confirm you have a 1st generation model, as the process differs from later versions. Its smooth, round shape and lack of any flat edges make it easy to spot.
Identify the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) by its design
The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) has a matte finish and one flat edge, with no cap or port. It charges magnetically by attaching to the side of a compatible iPad and supports a double-tap gesture. If you want to tell if your Apple Pencil is dead, look for the lack of response when tapping on the iPad screen, but first ensure it is properly attached to the magnetic charging strip.
Identify the Apple Pencil (USB-C) by its design
The Apple Pencil (USB-C) features a sliding cap that reveals a USB-C port, a matte finish, and a flat edge. It lacks pressure sensitivity and does not support magnetic charging. This model is a distinct option if you need to adjust Apple Pencil sensitivity, as its lack of pressure sensitivity means you cannot adjust that specific setting.
Identify the Apple Pencil Pro by its design
The Apple Pencil Pro has "Apple Pencil Pro" printed on its body and supports squeeze and barrel roll gestures with haptic feedback. It charges magnetically on the side of compatible iPads. The printed text is the clearest visual cue.
Apple Pencil compatibility at a glance
Apple Pencil compatibility is strictly dependent on your specific iPad model and iPadOS version. Here are the compatible iPads for each model:
- Apple Pencil (1st generation): iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generations), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation). Note: The iPad (10th generation) requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter to pair and charge.
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation): iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th or 5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th generation).
- Apple Pencil (USB-C): iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5, and 1st-4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-6th generation), iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4, and 4th-5th generation), iPad (A16 and 10th generation), and iPad mini (A17 Pro and 6th generation).
- Apple Pencil Pro: iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4), and iPad mini (A17 Pro).
