Apple Pencil Pro vs. USB-C, 1 & 2: Which One to Buy?

After the Mac, iPad, and iPhone, it’s time for the Apple Pencil to go “Pro”. At the Let Loose event, Apple announced the Apple Pencil Pro, which comes with quality additions like support for Find My, barrel roll, and squeeze gestures.

With this announcement, the Apple Pencil lineup expands to four models – the Pro, USB-C, 2nd generation, and 1st generation. While upgraded Pencils are most welcome, the increased number of products might confuse potential buyers. If you are one of them, you have come to the right place.

This detailed guide compares Apple Pencil Pro vs. USB-C, 2, 1 for features, compatibility, and pricing to help you pick the right one for your iPad. Let’s get started.

Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C, 2, 1: Features compared

Apple uses fancy terms to describe the simplest of features. To make things easier for you, I have mentioned the features offered by each Apple Pencil and briefly explained what each feature does.

Feature	Purpose	Apple Pencil Pro	Apple Pencil USB-C	Apple Pencil (2nd gen)	Apple Pencil (1st gen)
Find My	Locate Pencil in the Find My app	✅	❌	❌	❌
Squeeze	Brings up a new palette to switch tools, line thickness, colors	✅	❌	❌	❌
Barrel roll	For precise control of shaped pen when titled or rotated	✅	❌	❌	❌
Haptic feedback	Squeeze or tap on the pen generates a light pulse	✅	❌	❌	❌
Low latency	Ensures high responsiveness	✅	✅	✅	✅
Pixel-perfect precision	Helps write, sketch, and draw with top-notch precision	✅	✅	✅	✅
Tilt sensitivity	Tilts stylus for shading and other drawing effects	✅	✅	✅	✅
Pressure sensitivity	Natural response to pressure – light or deep presses	✅	❌	✅	✅
Magnetic attachment	For storage, pairing, and charging	✅	✅	✅	❌
Wireless connectivity and charging		✅	❌	✅	❌
Apple Pencil hover	Detects the Pencil just above the screen	✅	✅	✅	❌
Double-tap support	Instant switch between tools	✅	❌	✅	❌
Removable cap	Keeps the charging port safe	❌	✅	❌	❌
Free Engraving	Customize text on the Pencil	✅	❌	✅	❌

While innovative features might excite you, bear in mind that you’re not always going to need them. Additionally, you must factor in the compatibility and pricing of each Apple Pencil before zeroing in on one. So, let’s check those out too.

Apple Pencil compatibility

Apple has been chopping and changing Apple Pencil features more erratically than you’d expect. So, not all iPads support the four Apple Pencils. This makes it extremely important for you to know which iPad model you have or which iPad you should buy. Once you have figured that out, take a look at the compatibility details listed below:

Apple Pencil Pro:

iPad Pro 13-inch and 11-inch (M4)
iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2)

Apple Pencil USB-C:

iPad Pro 13-inch and 11-inch (M4)
iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (all models)
iPad Air (4th generation or later)
iPad (10th generation)
iPad mini (6th generation)

Apple Pencil 2nd generation:

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation or later)
iPad Air (4th generation or later)
iPad mini (6th generation)

Apple Pencil 1st generation:

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad (6th to 10th generation)
iPad mini (5th generation)

Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C, 2, 1: Pricing and dimensions

By now, it’s quite obvious that the purchase decision does not rely on pricing and dimensions as much as it does on compatibility. Still, knowing how much you need to shell out always helps:

	Apple Pencil Pro	Apple Pencil USB-C	Apple Pencil (2nd gen)	Apple Pencil (1st gen)
Price	$129	$79	$129	$99
Dimensions (Length x Diameter)	6.53 x 0.35 inches	6.1 inches x 0.29 inches	6.53 x 0.35 inches	6.92 x 0.35 inches
Weight	0.68 ounces	0.72 ounces	0.73 ounces	0.73 ounces

Which Apple Pencil should you buy for your iPad?

Apple Pencil Pro: If you are a creator, editor, designer, or a power user whose primary device is going to be the M4 iPad Pro or M2 iPad Air, you should definitely get the Apple Pencil Pro. For the price of a 2nd gen Apple Pencil, you get a stylus with more advanced features.
Apple Pencil USB-C: This is the most affordable Apple Pencil for students and professionals. It is compatible with any iPad with a USB-C port. The only caveat is you will have to part ways with wireless charging.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Continues to be a premium option for the ones who have older iPad Pros and iPad Airs. If you are not planning to buy the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air, this Apple Pencil is your best bet.
Apple Pencil (1st generation): No other Apple Pencil is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or iPad Air (3rd generation). If you have one of these iPads, Apple has already made the decision for you.

Conclusion

As stated above, the price difference between the most affordable Apple Pencil USB-C and the flagship Apple Pencil Pro is just $50. So, the answer to which Apple Pencil you should buy boils down to use case and compatibility.

I hope the details mentioned above help you choose an ideal Apple Pencil for your iPad. If you need any further assistance or have any other questions regarding this, please reach out to me in the comments below. I’d be happy to help.

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