I personally feel gen 2 is lighter compared to gen 1. Like 50% lighter. The other thing that I like about gen 2 is the magnetic charging :) it’s so convenient compared to the plug in and out gen 1. Last but not least, gen 2 has the double tap features to switch tools. this is not my favourite feature because I rarely use it, and it sometimes got tapped when I don’t want to so… but overall the gen 2 is just very different compared to gen 1. One more thing, it will depend on which gen your iPad that is compatible with the pens. Answer from mychelromance on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/goodnotes › is there a notable difference between apple pen gens 1&2?
r/GoodNotes on Reddit: Is there a notable difference between Apple Pen Gens 1&2?
December 21, 2022 -
Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask but since I plan to be using the pen for goodnotes anyways I thought it’d be worth, I was wondering if it’s worth it to get the second generation of the pen or if the first will work just fine. I want to know if there’s and benefits to using the second generation pen on the app over the first or anything like that.
Top answer 1 of 8
22
I personally feel gen 2 is lighter compared to gen 1. Like 50% lighter. The other thing that I like about gen 2 is the magnetic charging :) it’s so convenient compared to the plug in and out gen 1. Last but not least, gen 2 has the double tap features to switch tools. this is not my favourite feature because I rarely use it, and it sometimes got tapped when I don’t want to so… but overall the gen 2 is just very different compared to gen 1. One more thing, it will depend on which gen your iPad that is compatible with the pens.
2 of 8
15
It depends on the ipad you have For example if you have the last ipad (i think 10), you will be limited to 1st generation, regardless which pen you prefer I don’t think you would choose the ipad according to the pen
Does the Apple Pencil Second Gen and Pro … - Apple Community
Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Apple Pencil (1st generation) More on discussions.apple.com
Which is preferable between Apple Pencil Gen 1 and USB- ...
Can I use Apple Pencil 1 for iPad Pro 3rd generation by using USB -C cable into the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. Can I use Apple Pencil 1 for iPad Pro 3rd generation by using USB -C cable into the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. More on discussions.apple.com
Apple Pencil 2nd gen incompatibility with… - Apple Community
Moving a lens to the side that takes away compatibility with the latest version of their Apple Pencil was just poorly thought out. The Apple Pencil 2nd gen with its magnetic pairing and charging is so much better than the alternative Apple Pencil 1st gen that requires an adapter and plugging ... More on discussions.apple.com
what is difference between pencils 1 & 2? null
The differences between the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils are: -price -features -ways of charging -design The first gen Apple pencil is very round and rather slippery. It'll just roll off somewhere. Might want to put like a skin or a rubber cover on it so it doesn't slide. More on bestbuy.com
Videos
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Apple
apple.com › accessories › select apple pencil
Select Apple Pencil - Apple
If you’re using iPadOS or iOS 12.2 or later, go to Settings > General > About > Model Name. If you’re using an earlier version of iOS, learn how to identify your iPad model or contact us. Choose free delivery or pick up available items at an Apple Store. ... And pay over time, interest-free when you choose to check out at Apple with Apple Card Monthly Installments. Footnote § Learn moreGet 3% Daily Cash back with Apple Card. Engrave your Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with your name, initials, or phone number — free.
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255620049
Does the Apple Pencil Second Gen and Pro … - Apple Community
Well, to answer my own question ... are forward compatible all the way to the latest 2024 Apple Pencil Pro. The tips have not changed. They interchangeable across all units. Is not just the case that recently developed tips are backwards compatible. Said to be just one tip ...
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 256077462
Which is preferable between Apple Pencil Gen 1 and USB- ...
June 10, 2025 - if you want a cheaper pencil for writing and basic drawing, the USB-C Pencil is fine. Of you need more artistic features like the sensitivity go for the First Generation Pencil.
AppleInsider
appleinsider.com › apple a-z › accessories and i/o › apple pencil › vs
Apple Pencil USB-C vs Apple Pencil Gen 1 and Gen 2 -- compared
The new Apple Pencil is even shorter at 6.1 inches, even though it has a sliding cap incorporated into its design. At 0.29 inches, its diameter is also a lot smaller than its predecessors, so it may feel a little thinner for users to grip when writing and drawing. There is also a very minor weight loss in the latest model, with it at 0.72 ounces versus 0.73 ounces for the first and second-gen models.
Published October 17, 2023
Amazon
amazon.com › Apple-MU8F2AM-A-Pencil-Generation › dp › B07K1WWBJK
Amazon.com: Apple Pencil (2ND Generation) (MU8F2AM/A) : Cell Phones & Accessories
WHY APPLE PENCIL — With pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and imperceptible lag, Apple Pencil (2nd generation) makes painting, sketching, doodling, and note-taking better than ever.
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255067118
Apple Pencil 2nd gen incompatibility with… - Apple Community
August 15, 2023 - Moving a lens to the side that takes away compatibility with the latest version of their Apple Pencil was just poorly thought out. The Apple Pencil 2nd gen with its magnetic pairing and charging is so much better than the alternative Apple Pencil 1st gen that requires an adapter and plugging ...
Astropad
astropad.com › blog › which-apple-pencil-is-better
Apple Pencil 1 vs. 2: Which is the Best for You?
September 29, 2023 - JavaScript is disabled in your browser · Please enable JavaScript to proceed · A required part of this site couldn’t load. This may be due to a browser extension, network issues, or browser settings. Please check your connection, disable any ad blockers, or try using a different browser
MacCase
mac-case.com › maccase › maccase company blog › how to tell the difference between 1st and 2nd generation apple pencil?
Tell the Difference Between 1st and 2nd Gen Apple Pencils?
December 19, 2023 - The 2nd generation Apple Pencil ... and wireless charging. ... 1st Generation: The original Apple Pencil lacks the magnetic attachment capability found in the 2nd generation....
Top answer 1 of 10
10
The differences between the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils are:
-price
-features
-ways of charging
-design
The first gen Apple pencil is very round and rather slippery. It'll just roll off somewhere. Might want to put like a skin or a rubber cover on it so it doesn't slide. It also uses the extremely akward and poorly design lighting connector top that plugs in either in the IPad or using the included adapter from the box. It also has a cap to cover the top. The 1st gen Apple pencil is only compatible with IPads that have the classic design (large black or white bexels with touch ID home button) and lighnting port such as the IPad Generation series or the older 5th gen IPad mini. The cost of the 1st gen pencil is under a $100.
The second gen Apple Pencil is the updated pencil that connects via magnets on the righhand side of the current (almost) all screen design IPads.These IPads are IPad Pro 2018- current year, IPad Air 4th gen and the new IPad Mini 6th gen. The pencil charges when connected on the side of the ipad via magnets and has features where you can double tap the squared off side to either erase or go back to previous tool. The pencil has a matte feel and due to having a squared off design on one side, it doesn't roll off (or at least not as easy.) The Apple Pencil 2nd Gen is $129.99. There is a lot more features available, but those are the main highlighted ones.
2 of 10
3
Pencil one requires a lightening port to charge. It is round in shape.
Pencil two connects magnetically to the USB-C equipped iPad, so it is a big improvement for connectivity. The Pencil two is closer in shape to a wooden pencil, so it can magnetically connect to the compatible iPads.