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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › are the apple pencil (1st gen) and apple pencil (usb-c) the same thing?
r/ipad on Reddit: Are the Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Apple Pencil (USB-C) the same thing?
November 18, 2023 -

Aside from USB-C (obviously), are the pencils the same thing? I heard somewhere that the new USB-C version doesn't support pressure sensitivity and all that. I have an iPad 10 so sadly I can't get the Pencil 2

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Correct, the new USB C one does not support pressure sensitivity
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Hey :) I guess you do need pressure sensitivity, then yes, you MUST grab 1st gen. But if you don’t, you don’t even need the USB-C and can do with a much cheaper option. :)
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/applepencil › 1st gen vs usb-c
r/ApplePencil on Reddit: 1st Gen vs USB-C
January 1, 2025 -

Just picked up an iPad 10th generation and the USB-C pencil, I soon realised there is no pressure sensitivity, I was wondering what the differences between the 1st Gen and USB-C are and would I be dropping much performance going to an older model for just the pressure sensitivity? Are they the same thing other than that?

TLDR: Are there any other pencils that have pressure sensitivity and are compatible with the 10th Gen iPad? What are the differences if I bought the other pencil?

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1st gen over usbc if you draw and stuff
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There are no performance differences between the two when it comes to speed or responsiveness. The Apple Pencil 1st Gen performs just as well and offers pressure sensitivity but at the expense of USB-C charging and magnetic docking. The Lightning arrangement on the 1st gen is very awkward as it’s designed to plug directly into a port, so you have to futz with adapters to charge it. The USB-C also supports the new hover feature of the higher end iPads. That’s irrelevant on the 10th-gen iPad but it’s something you’d be missing if you ever decided to upgrade to an iPad mini or Air or Pro (although in all those cases the Apple Pencil Pro would be miles better anyway 😏).
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/applepencil › i have ipad 10th gen - is the 1st gen or the usb-c better for drawing?
r/ApplePencil on Reddit: I have iPad 10th Gen - is the 1st Gen or the USB-C better for drawing?
January 10, 2024 -

I have iPad 10th Gen. I've tried to gather what I can from search here on this subreddit and online on Apple's site. Seems that the USB-C version is lacking the pressure sensitivity feature, so is the 1st Gen better to get for drawing purposes?

Saw this chart noting how USB-C lack pressure sensitivity:

https://www.apple.com/shop/select-apple-pencil

If it is 1st Gen to go with for drawing, guess I need a dongle to pair the lightening end of the 1st Gen pencil over to the USB-C end of the dongle that connects to the 10th gen iPad, is that right?

Sites for dongle purchase are appreciated.

Also, for charging, seems obvious, but can I used the out of the box lightening-lightening connector to just charge Pencil 1st Gen via lightening cable? (seems a second option is to use the lightening/usb-c dongle to charge the 1st Gen pencil with iPad 10th Gen)

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If drawing is your thing definitely go for the 1st gen. Even the price of the usb c one is unjustified in my opinion. Yeah, charging is a hassle but you might not want to miss out on pressure sensitivity. I love that feature and wouldn't want to go without it any day.
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If it’s for drawing 1st gen. For note taking usbc is fine but having to pressure sensitivity makes it a very useless tool. You can. Just draw with one of those cheap pen stylus with a rubber end and get the same result. Get the 1st gen
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › apple pencil 1st gen or usb c?
r/ipad on Reddit: Apple pencil 1st gen or Usb c?
November 3, 2024 -

I'm gonna (probably) be getting the Ipad 10th generation, but the one thing that bothers me so much is the apple pencil. Like. What do you mean I need a whole cable to use it??? Like I'm not paying 130+€ for that- So ive been thinking, should i get the 1st gen or the usb c one? Im an artist, but mostly traditional, so the pressure sensivity doesnt matter that much to me since I'll only sometimes draw, and my parents can't afford too expensive stuff, so my go to for now is usbc rn. Wich one should I get? People say the usbc one is "bad" or "useless" and it's making me feel nervous since I can't afford to get a better ipad with the 2nd gen compatibility :(

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The first gen one is rubbish. Mine stopped working after very little use and wouldn’t charge anymore, I bought a Meko Chinese one on Amazon for £15 and it seems much better. Cant say about the new pro but this one is fine for what I do, just some simple drawing etc.
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Everyone is hating on the first gen, but the first gen is my favourite of ALL TIME. The circular design and the weight difference makes it soooooo worth it for me. I literally can never use the ones with the weird flat edge.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/procreate › apple pencil 1st gen vs. usb-c for 10th gen ipad?
r/ProCreate on Reddit: Apple Pencil 1st gen vs. USB-C for 10th gen iPad?
December 18, 2023 -

I just got an iPad 10th generation to learn ProCreate and am trying to figure out which pencil I should get. It looks like my options are the 1st gen pencil or the USB-C pencil. I really like that the USB-C pencil has a magnetic side to attach to the iPad, but it doesn’t have pressure sensitivity which I would imagine is an important feature for digital drawing. How important is pressure sensitivity? Is the 1st gen pencil the way to go? Any info would be helpful!

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Yes, apple pencil is the way to go trust me. Its might be expensive but the feel and difference is night and day. With the knock off usb c you dont have any pressure so its only good for writing.
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The magnetic gimmick wasn’t worth what we gave up from pen 1 imo anyway. Pressure is very important. You can make good work without it, I’ve seen amazing paintings done with 0 pressure control on game consoles. But you don’t want that handicap to work around while you’re still learning. Definitely get the 1st gen pen, and in the future you can get a newer ipad that works with a magnetic one
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › just bought an ipad a16. recommend me between apple pencil 1st gen and usb-c.
Just bought an iPad A16. Recommend me between Apple Pencil 1st gen and USB-C. : r/ipad
November 3, 2025 - One caveat is that it doesn’t ... betwee the pencil 1st gen and the USB-c is that the first gen you have to buy a special adapter between lightning and USB-c and the USB-c pencil is just USB-c, its just an all in one package....
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › should i return pencil c-usb and get 1st gen?.
r/ipad on Reddit: Should I return pencil c-usb and get 1st gen?.
June 17, 2025 -

I just got an iPad a16 and then got the c-usb pencil for drawing and notetaking but I just realized that it doesn't support pressure sensitivity. I like the magnet but I think in the long run that I will probably wish I had just gotten the 1st gen, I wanted to ask Reddit and other iPad users their opinion. Thanks!

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Yeah if you can get over the fact it’s cumbersome to charge and pair because it uses lightning so you have to use the adaptor I think it comes with to go to type c, it would add pressure sensitivity. Apple really did make a poor decision not adding pressure to the usb c pencil.
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Yes, if you are spending money in an expensive stylus at least get one that have the features you need.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/apple › new apple pencil usb-c | comparing all apple pencils
r/apple on Reddit: NEW Apple Pencil USB-C | Comparing ALL Apple Pencils
November 4, 2023 - ... Highly doubt. This new one has no pressure sensitivity it's literally an 80$ stylus and the first gen pencil is a much better tool for most people ... They’d have this and a USB C Pro version.
Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipadpro › apple pencil usb-c vs 1st gen
r/iPadPro on Reddit: Apple Pencil USB-C vs 1st gen
January 3, 2025 -

Hi guys! So I have an iPad Pro 10.5 (it's an older iPad with a lightening port). I really want to get the Apple Pencil USB-C, but on the Apple website it only says that the 1st gen is compatible with my iPad. I was wondering if I get the USB-C pencil, am I able to connect to my iPad with a cord? Like if one end is USB-C and the other end is lightening am I able to connect the USB-C Apple Pencil to my iPad Pro 10.5? I just personally like a look and price better of the USB-C vs the first gen, but I don't wanna buy one that won't work. Lmkkk thanks!!

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The 10.5 does not support the technology in the usb C or other pencil close, only pencil 1 will work. If you ever upgrade, there are instead ways to make the 1st gen pencil work with more modern ipads..
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While there is an app (LightBlue) that might allow your bluetooth to connect with a non supported Apple Pencil model, the results are problematic and in general I would have to say that it's best to go with the proper combo of iPad and Pencil as covered on the support page.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/digitalart › apple pencil 1st gen or usb-c?
r/DigitalArt on Reddit: Apple pencil 1st gen or usb-c?
September 25, 2024 -

Hey guys, I just bought an ipad 10th and planning to buy apple pencil to start digital drawing. I see 1st gen and usb c are compatible with ipad 10th. Can you help me decide what should I buy based on your experience?

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I would say it depends on your budget. The cheaper USB-C one will get you tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and hover, which are useful tools for digital art. But it doesn't give you pressure sensitivity. Apple Pencil 1 will give you pressure sensitivity in addition to all of that, but you also pay more. Plus, you can attach the USB-C one to the side of your iPad i think, which is great if you want to create art on-the-go, but the Apple Pencil 1 can't do that. So these are some things to consider: If you like to create art on the go, the magnetic attachment option with Apple Pencil USB-C is quite convenient. Plus, it's cheaper. If you don't really care for the magnetic attachment, and you really want pressure sensitivity, you should go for Apple Pencil 1.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › is the apple pencil usb-c worth it?
r/ipad on Reddit: Is the Apple Pencil USB-C worth it?
November 13, 2024 -

I currently have the iPad 10th generation , and the Apple Pencil 1st generation (I upgraded from the 7th gen earlier this year).

Is getting the USB-c Apple Pencil worth it at all? Or should I just stick to the 1st gen?

Thanks in advance.

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It really sucks that it doesn’t magnetically charge anymore. I have an iPad Pro (2018) and an iPad Pro (M1, 2021) that work great but have an Apple Pencil that doesn’t charge without a cable. Some days I am at a loss for words as to why Apple does stupid sh!t like this!!
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From Apple, you can get a USB-C pencil that does pointing and writing (no pressure sensitivity) and charges via USB-C for £79. From Amazon, you can get a Timovo pencil that does everything that the Apple USB-C pencil does, and also has a mesh tip on thw non-writing end so that you can point and scroll silently even when the pencil iis not turned on, has a display on the side to show current battery level at any time, and can be charged from 0% to 100% in 15 minutes using a USB-C to USB-C cable plugged into the port on your iPad - all that costs £11.99. I really don’t get the appeal of the Apple USB-C pencil! If you want to draw properly with pressure sensitivity, get a proper Apple pencil, otherwise I’d always go third party…
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 256077462
Which is preferable between Apple Pencil Gen 1 and USB- ...
Pencil compatibility Hello, I have an iPad Air gen 2, is Apple Pencil gen 1 compatible with it? 769 2 ... Both models of Apple Pencil are supported on the A16 iPad. The usb-c is cheaper, but lacks some features like the pressure sensitivity.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › just got ipad a16 and bought the usb-c pencil should i return it and buy the 1st gen
r/ipad on Reddit: Just got iPad A16 and bought the usb-c Pencil should i return it and buy the 1st gen
May 1, 2025 -

Should I return the pencil? And is the A16 good for studying?

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The usb-c pencil is MILES better than the 1st gen pencil if your primary purpose is not drawing. Charging. The usb-c pencil requires one usb-c to usb-c cable for charging. 1st gen pencil requires not just a cable, but also a lightning to usb-c adapter. The 1st gen pencil also has a removable cap, which might get lost. A total of three extra pieces that you have to be mindful of. USB-c pencil has a flat edge so it will magnetically stick to your ipad. No magnetic charging, but it will stay on your iPad. The 1st gen pencil is much more likely to roll off a table and you would either have to carry it separately or must use a case with a pencil slot for your iPad. USB-C pencil has standby mode when it isn’t moving. The pencil basically goes into a battery saving mode when it’s not being used, and this happens when you stick it onto the side of your iPad. The 1st gen pencil does not have this, and lasts for a much shorter time so you would have to charge it more. Which sucks because charging it can be a mess as I explained above. The usb-c pencil is also a bit shorter and lighter. This makes it more comfortable to use over long periods of time. Studying for multiple hours, this is a factor that you will definitely notice. The usb-c pencil is cheaper by 20$, and it‘s 5 years younger than the 1st gen pencil. 1st gen pencil is only supported on base model iPads and older iPads, whereas the usb-c supports all the new iPads and also most of the older iPads that came out even before usb-c pencil was released. This makes it more future proof for when you upgrade and it will have a better second-hand market when you want to sell it.
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If you're going to do anything where pressure-sensitivity is needed, like drawing, then yes, return it and get the 1st gen Pencil. If you're just taking notes then stick with the USB-C Pencil.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › apple pencil usb c vs. 1st gen? and any alternative to paperlike?
r/ipad on Reddit: apple pencil usb c vs. 1st gen? and any alternative to paperlike?
March 7, 2024 -

ipad 10th gen is compatible with apple pencil usb c and1st gen. i dont know which to choose. a lil bit of background- i'm only going to use it for studying purposes like note taking only. i don't use it for gaming. how are those 2 different?

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You’ll be better off with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) if it’s just for note taking and studying. It magnetically attaches to the iPad which makes it easy to quickly grab and start writing. While it does lack the pressure sensitivity that comes with the 1st generation, unless you’re using it for artistic purposes, you won’t be missing out on much. Plus, the 1st generation requires an adapter to pair and charge it with your iPad.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › apple pencil 1st gen or usbc?
r/ipad on Reddit: Apple Pencil 1st Gen or USBC?
March 21, 2024 -

I’ve recently gotten the IPad 10th gen a couple weeks ago, and I’m wanting to get an Apple Pencil but I’m not sure which of these would be better?

I’ve seen that the usbc lacks the pressure sensitivity but I’m not sure if I need it.. I think maybe I’d want to do drawing and note taking on the iPad but also use the pencil for games.

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I think that you will regret he USB-C. The pressure and the tilt sensitivity are very nice features when you are drawing.

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If you're thinking of drawing then don't even think about the USB-C, it's that simple.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › apple pencil usb-c or third party?
r/ipad on Reddit: Apple Pencil USB-C Or Third Party?
July 28, 2024 -

I don't take (many) notes and am not an artist, but I find a stylus helpful. Is it worth paying for the original Apple Pencil (USB-C)? This is for an iPad 10. Is anyone here using third-party alternatives? What do you think about that?

EDIT: I bought the EIP Pencil 2. I think I got a great deal for 1/3 of the price of the USB-C Apple Pencil.

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you don't need an apple pencil if you don't need the pressure sensitivity for drawing. but make sure you get a 3rd party pencil that supports magnetic wireless charging, it is way more convenient compare to only be able to use usb-c to charge
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I would not recommend the USB-C for older iPads. The magnet strength is pretty weak. Tried with iPad Mini and almost lost it twice in a single day because it wouldn’t stay on properly. In contrast, the 2nd gen Pencil has such strong attachment that you can lift the iPad Mini by only holding the Pencil. The USB-C goes flying if you as much as swing the tablet. They clearly designed it primarily as a budget alternative to the Pencil Pro, I suspect the magnet configuration is optimized for the newer tablets.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › apple pencil (1st gen) or apple pencil usb-c?
r/ipad on Reddit: Apple Pencil (1st Gen) or Apple Pencil USB-C?
December 29, 2024 -

I don’t know the difference 😅 please help me choose. What are the pros and cons of each?

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Depends what are you gonna do with it. If it’s art go with 1st gen because it supports pressure sensitivity, but if you mostly wanna note take or simillar things go with usb c. And id you decide 1st gen make sure your iPad supports 1st gen, (same applies to usb c). I’m 1st gen owner and I really like it and it’s still good option. But it depends on your specific use case. Also usb c can be stored on the side of the iPad while 1st gen cannot.
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First and the biggest difference is pressure sensitivity, the first gen supports it whereas the usb c one doesn't. The usb c has a better grip (that's what they say personally never used it tho) and the first gen is round(I have this and I don't find it slippery as some say) The usb c attaches magnetically to the side of the ipad but it doesn't charge that way . You will have to charge it separately using a usb c cable. The first gen pencil doesn't connect magnetically, and you will need to charge it via a usb c cable+ adapter( the adapter comes in the box if you buy new).
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 254746854
difference between the 1st generation pencil with usb-c ...
This adapter is supplied with newer ... fundamentally differ. ... Because the 1st gen Apple Pencil uses the Lightning port to charge, you need to use the USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter to charge it on your 9th Gen iPad which has a USB-C port on it....
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/ipad › apple pencil(usb-c) users.is it really that bad like the as the reviewers say?
r/ipad on Reddit: Apple Pencil(USB-C) users.Is it really that bad like the as the reviewers say?
August 2, 2024 -

Because I want to buy one and I will be happy to here your opinion about it. I am also want to know about battery life!

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A friend of mine got the USB-C pencil to pair with his 10th gen iPad. He likes it for what he does, which is primarily marking up student submitted work on an LMS. The he enjoys the fact the pencil magnetically attaches to the iPad and that it goes into a low-power/off mode so it lasts longer in between charges.
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So far, as a digital artist, I’m not exactly a fan of it. No pressure sensitivity for this one, and I find it tiring to always keep a USB-C wire with me at all times since the pen disconnects once it strays away from the iPad, or that you haven’t used the pen for a while. The tip is rather slippery compared to the 1st Gen (though I may be wrong) - but I compared my old one (1st Gen) to this one, and the difference with the nibs was clear. But, if you just want some sort of note-taking, then it is very useful. (You’ll just have to keep the cable with you at all times XD)
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255671432
Which Apple Pencil is a good fit for me? - Apple Community
Be aware that the USB-C also lack the advanced functionality and pressure sensitivity of the Apple Pencil Pro. ... Is my Apple Pencil compatible with my iPad Pro? I’ve never used an Apple Pencil (1st gen), and I have not been successful getting it to charge/pair with my iPad Pro (11in.-3rd gen).