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PCMAG
pcmag.com › home › articles › input devices › styli
Apple Pencil Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 vs. USB-C vs. Pro: What's the Difference? | PCMag
December 10, 2024 - It has the same basic design as the 2nd Gen Pencil, meaning it has one flat side, a matte finish, and is similarly comfortable to hold and use. ... Last, the Apple Pencil Pro measures about the same as the USB-C model at 6.53 inches by 0.35 inches.
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AppleInsider
appleinsider.com › apple a-z › accessories and i/o › apple pencil › vs
Apple Pencil USB-C vs Gen 1 and Gen 2: specs, price, features
05:10
It's at this point that the feature set diverges, and on the fairly important pressure sensitivity. While the first and second-gen models have it, the new USB-C model doesn't have any pressure sensitivity at all.
Published   October 17, 2023
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Apple Pencil USB-C VS Pro: Which One Should You Buy? - YouTube
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Apple Pencil Pro VS Apple Pencil USB-C: Should You Buy?
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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

Top answer
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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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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 256077462
Which is preferable between Apple Pencil Gen 1 and USB- ...
From a practical perspective, the USB-C Pencil differs from the first generation Pencil in two key aspects: 1) The USB-C Pencil can be magnetically "docked" to the edge of a compatible iPad - whereas the first generation Pencil cannot be attached to the host iPad, for convenience, when it is ...
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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 first generation Apple Pencil’s. The two different Adapters externally look very similar - but 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 ...
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Macworld
macworld.com › home › accessories
Best Apple Pencil 2025: Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad? | Macworld
November 28, 2023 - Artists with older iPads should choose this over the Apple Pencil USB-C because it offers pressure sensitivity and tilt control. In comparison to the first generation Apple Pencil, this model has a flat-edge, so it shouldn’t roll away.
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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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Flourish Planner
theflourishplanner.com › blogs › blog › putting-the-new-apple-pencil-usb-c-to-the-test
Putting the New Apple Pencil to the Test – Flourish Planner
While the model does lack some of the defining features of the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil, like pressure sensitivity and wireless charging, it still packs a punch. The USB-C model has better inclusions than the 1st Generation Apple Pencil and comes ...
Find elsewhere
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The Indian Express
indianexpress.com › news › technology › tech
How to choose the right Apple Pencil for your iPad: A comparison of the 3 models | Technology News - The Indian Express
October 20, 2023 - The Apple Pencil (2nd generation), ... of 0.35 inches. Meanwhile, the new Apple Pencil USB-C is the shortest of the three at 6.1 inches, and also has a smaller diameter of 0.29 inches....
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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 - I think the goal is they will eventually phase out the older Apple Pencils. Just seems like odd timing. Would be better if the phase out started at the same time as a new release. ... 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. Continue this thread ... They’ll phase out the 1st gen.
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Apple
apple.com › newsroom › 2023 › 10 › apple-introduces-new-apple-pencil-bringing-more-value-and-choice-to-the-lineup
Apple introduces new Apple Pencil, bringing more value and choice to the lineup - Apple
2 weeks ago - Apple Pencil (1st generation) is compatible with iPad (10th generation) and iPad (9th generation). A USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required for pairing and charging, and is included in the box with Apple Pencil (1st generation) for $99 (U.S.).
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MyNextTablet
mynexttablet.com › home › apple pencil 1 vs 2 vs usb c guide: which is best for you?
Apple Pencil 1 vs 2 vs USB C Guide: Which Is Best For You?
November 7, 2023 - So, you have to use the Pencil 1 for all Lightning iPads. And with the iPad 10, you can choose between the Pencil 1 and USB C Pencil. Unlike the USB C Pencil, the Apple Pencil 1 does support different levels of pressure sensitivity.
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Beebom
beebom.com › apple-pencil-comparison-compatibility
Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C vs Gen 2 vs Gen 1: Specs Comparison and Compatibility | Beebom
October 15, 2025 - Sure you’ll miss out on the flagship features offered by the latest stylus, but for someone who prefers a budget-friendly option, the USB-C one remains a top pick. Coming to the $129 Apple Pencil Pro, it is by far the most feature-rich and top-of-the-line option. With some much-needed upgrades like Find My app support, the new Apple Pencil Pro is bound to deliver the best overall experience and comes at the same price as the Apple Pencil 2nd generation.
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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)

Top answer
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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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Switching To Mac
switchingtomac.com › home › how-to › apple pencil 1st vs. 2nd generation vs. usb-c version: what’s different?
Apple Pencil 1st vs. 2nd Generation vs. USB-C Version: What’s Different?
April 15, 2025 - ... Apple Pencil 1st Gen is compatible with most iPads. However, Apple Pencil 2nd Gen is compatible with most Pro and Air models (but not with the regular iPad models). Finally, the USB-C version is compatible with all newer iPads.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255671432
Which Apple Pencil is a good fit for me? - Apple Community
The iPad Pencil Pro pairs and charges ... second generation Apple Pencil. By comparison, while the USB-C Pencil can be attached magnetically to compatible iPads, it can only by paired and charged using a wired USB-C connection....
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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!

Top answer
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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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TikTok
tiktok.com › discover › what’s-the-difference-between-the-first-generation-apple-pencil-and-the-usb-c
What’s The Difference Between The First Generation Apple Pencil and The Usb C | TikTok
September 1, 2025 - Apple Pencil must-have for iPad, Apple Pencil tips and tricks, best cases for Apple Pencil, connecting Apple Pencil to iPad, Apple Pencil Gen 1 and 2 comparison, learning with Apple Pencil, using Apple Pencil for creativity, Apple Pencil for drawing and writing, Apple Pencil pro features, benefits of Apple Pencil usage ... iPad 10th gen works with Apple Pencil 1st gen with adapter. #applepencil #applepenciltips #ipadnotetaking #ipadmusthaves #ipadplanner #ipadhacks ... Should you buy the Apple Pencil USB-C?