Apple Pencil 1st Gen Tips, Cases & Accessories

Apple sells four Pencil models. The Apple Pencil Pro works only with iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2/M3. The Apple Pencil 2. Gen fits iPad Pro 11 and 12.9 inch from 2018-2022, iPad Air 4 and 5 and iPad Mini 6. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is the budget option for iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2/M3, iPad 10 and 11 and iPad Mini 7. The Apple Pencil 1. Gen with Lightning plug pairs with the original iPad Pro, iPad 5-9, iPad Air 3 and iPad Mini 5. Before buying, check Bluetooth settings on your iPad to see which Pencil pairs.

Replacement tips wear down with writing and drawing — most users swap them every three to six months. Apple ships original tips made of soft plastic. Third parties offer harder tips for more precision or softer tips with more paper-feel friction. Silicone tip protectors dampen the click on glass displays and reduce micro-scratches on screen protectors. Replace the tip as soon as it is visibly flat or cracked — a broken tip can scratch the display.

Silicone grips wrap around the pencil shaft, give a firmer hold with damp hands and cushion drops. Carrying pouches and cases keep the pencil safe on the go — especially important for the Apple Pencil 1, which has no magnetic dock on the iPad. Anti-loss tethers connect pencil and iPad case so the stylus does not vanish in your bag. Vinyl skins personalise the look and help spot the pencil at a glance.

The four Pencil generations charge differently. Apple Pencil 1. Gen uses Lightning plug at the pencil tail (USB-C via adapter). Pencil Pro and Pencil 2 dock magnetically on the long edge of the iPad and charge wirelessly there. Pencil USB-C charges with a USB-C cable plugged into the iPad or a wall charger. Pencil 1 uses a Lightning plug at the tail of the stylus and needs an adapter on modern USB-C iPads. Keep the pencil on the iPad whenever possible — that way it stays charged and paired.