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apple pencil compatibility

Can i pair an apple pencil 1st gen with ipad air 4th gen using a USB-C to Lightning Cable?

Thanks

Posted on Mar 24, 2021 7:31 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 24, 2021 7:35 AM

No. The first generation Apple Pencil is not compatible with the iPad Air4.


The first and second generation Pencil use an entirely different pairing and charging interface. The second generation Pencil can only be used with iPad models that have the magnetic/inductive dock that is exclusively designed for the Pencil.


The first generation Apple Pencil, uses the physical Lightning port for both pairing and charging the first generation Pencil. This pencil can only be used with compatible iPad models that have a Lightning connector.


In summary, the Apple Pencil models are not interchangeable - and can only be used with the iPad that has appropriate internal hardware.


Here is the definitive compatibility list for Apple Pencil and iPad:


Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

You can use Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with these iPad models: 

  • iPad Air (4th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later


Apple Pencil (1st generation)

You can use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with these iPad models:

  • iPad (8th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad (7th generation)
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 24, 2021 7:35 AM in response to gildapereira

No. The first generation Apple Pencil is not compatible with the iPad Air4.


The first and second generation Pencil use an entirely different pairing and charging interface. The second generation Pencil can only be used with iPad models that have the magnetic/inductive dock that is exclusively designed for the Pencil.


The first generation Apple Pencil, uses the physical Lightning port for both pairing and charging the first generation Pencil. This pencil can only be used with compatible iPad models that have a Lightning connector.


In summary, the Apple Pencil models are not interchangeable - and can only be used with the iPad that has appropriate internal hardware.


Here is the definitive compatibility list for Apple Pencil and iPad:


Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

You can use Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with these iPad models: 

  • iPad Air (4th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later


Apple Pencil (1st generation)

You can use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with these iPad models:

  • iPad (8th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad (7th generation)
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

apple pencil compatibility

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