Apple Pencil 1 vs. 2: Which Apple Pencil Is Better?

Comparing the two Apple Pencils on compatibility, performance, and price 

Which Apple Pencil is better? If you’re a part of the growing community of artists, freelancers, and gamers who use iPads, you will have come across this question before. Both have their benefits, so it’s important to know the difference. 

Let’s dive into the battle of Apple Pencil 1 vs. Apple Pencil 2.

What Is an Apple Pencil?  

Sir Jony Ive is one of the lesser-known names in the Apple ecosystem, but he is the creative mastermind behind many of the Apple products that you use every single day. He spearheaded the creation of the Apple Pencil, a stylus that replicates the feeling of writing, drawing, and scribbling with a real pencil. 

This ergonomic, nifty bit of tech is designed to streamline your workflow and encourage real-time creativity. The Apple Pencil 1 was released on November 11th, 2015, and the Apple Pencil 2 followed it three years later on November 7th, 2018. 

So, what makes them different? And which Apple Pencil is better?

Compatibility Winner: Apple Pencil 1

Before you pick favorites in the battle of Apple Pencil 1 vs. Apple Pencil 2, you need to know which stylus is compatible with your device. 

Apple Pencil 1 is compatible with: 

• iPad Pro – 12.9-inch 1st and 2nd generation, 10.5-inch, 9.7-inch
• iPad Air – 3rd generation
• iPad mini – 5th generation
• iPad – 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation 

Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with: 

• iPad Pro – 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, 11-inch 1st generation and later
• iPad Air – 4th generation and later
• iPad mini – 6th generation 

As you can see, the Apple Pencil 2 tends to favor more modern iPads, whereas the Apple Pencil 1 is compatible with more versions. If you purchase an Apple Pencil 1, you might be able to upgrade your tablet without buying a new stylus. 

Winner: Apple Pencil 1 wins this round because it is compatible with more types and generations of iPads. 

Ergonomics & Design Winner: Apple Pencil 2

So, which Apple Pencil is better in terms of ergonomics?  

You would be forgiven for thinking that they are identical. The 1st Gen Apple Pencil is 6.92 inches long, 0.35 inches thick, and weighs 0.73 ounces. The 2nd Gen pencil is 6.53 inches, making it closer to the height of an actual pen. 

Both pencils are the same width and weight. 

The Apple Pencil 1 is entirely round, whereas the Apple Pencil 2 has a flat edge. The flat edge allows the stylus to sit flush against the side of your iPad, which is great for storage and charging. 

Another important ergonomic element is the matte finish. Whereas the Apple Pencil 1 is glossy and slippery, the Apple Pencil 2 feels much more like a traditional pencil. The finish also makes it resistant to fingerprints and other debris, which is a nice touch.

Overall, the Apple Pencil 2 feels much more like a technologically advanced stylus. If you switch between the Apple Pencil 1 and Apple Pencil 2, you’ll struggle to return to the older version. 

Winner: The style of the pencil won’t make or break your iPad experience, but if you want to take a more realistic pen-like feel, you should choose the Apple Pencil 2. 

Performance Winner: Apple Pencil 2

We can’t talk about Apple Pencil 1 vs. Apple Pencil 2 without mentioning performance. 

It is no secret that Apple products are ultra-streamlined and functional. But which pencil cinches the win? 

Both pencils have in-built tilt and pressure sensitivity, nearly imperceptible lag, and pixel-perfect precision. For some, these features are enough to satisfy all their note-taking, entertainment, and doodling needs. 

But the Apple Pencil 2 has a few extra features that make all the difference. It comes with a magnetic strip that attaches to your iPad, making it super easy to store and transport. 

The double-tap function on the flat edge allows you to switch between pre-set tools, which is perfect for people who want to customize their workflow with the touch of a button. 

Also, the Apple Pencil 2 has an improved palm rejection feature. The development team has ironed out a few niggling problems, so you can draw, sketch, and take notes without smudging your work. 

Winner: The Apple Pencil 2 has two new features and an upgrade, making it our winner. It benefits from three extra years of technology and development, so it is no surprise that it wins this round. 

Storage & Charging Winner: Apple Pencil 2 

Storage and charging might seem like the least important factors in your decision, but they can make a world of difference. 

To store the Apple Pencil 1, you need to invest in a case. You could opt for an individual storage box or find an iPad case that has an in-built stylus slot. The Apple Pencil 2 is much more simple. The magnetic strip allows you to easily attach the flat edge to your iPad, so you don’t need to invest in any more accessories. 

The Apple Pencil 1 charges via a lightning connector, which is pretty standard for Apple products. 

To access the charging port, just remove the cap. Once the stylus is connected to the iPad, it sticks out and takes up a lot of room. This isn’t a problem if you’re charging your pencil from the comfort of your home, but it feels near impossible while traveling. 

You might also find it difficult to continue using your iPad while the pencil is charging. 

If you want a much more streamlined charging process, you need to invest in the Apple Pencil 2. This pencil features wireless charging. Just turn Bluetooth on, attach the flat side of the pencil to your iPad, and wait for your pencil to charge. 

This process takes up much less space than the Apple Pencil 1, which is brilliant for note-takers, artists, and hobbyists who want to take their iPad to school or work. On top of that, wireless charging is much faster. 

Winner: The Apple Pencil 2 is our pick. The simplified wireless charging feature is a vast improvement on the original design. Now, you can keep your stylus on your tablet at all times. It also eliminates the need for expensive accessories. 

Price Winner: Apple Pencil 1

Which Apple Pencil is better for tech heads who are on a budget? 

The Apple Pencil 1 is $99, and the Apple Pencil 2 is $129. 

Third-party retailers sell Apple Pencils cheaper than the RRP, so you can bag a bargain. That being said, we recommend going straight to the supplier to get AppleCare+ cover in case of accidental damage. 

The price difference isn’t too outrageous, so it all comes down to your preferences. As long as you take care of your Apple Pencil, it can last for several years. It might be worth spending an extra $30 to enjoy more features. 

The Apple Pencil 2 comes with enhanced palm rejection technology, a magnetic strip that doubles as a wireless connector, and a button for customizing your workflow. When we weigh up all these benefits, we think that $30 is a fair price.  

Winner: Purely on price, the Apple Pencil 1 should win this round. But, like our readers, we also care about value for money. The Apple Pencil 2 wins this round for its unbeatable features. 

Overall Winner: Apple Pencil 2 

In the battle of Apple Pencil 1 vs. Apple Pencil 2, we know our winner. 

We prefer the second-generation Apple Pencil because it is even more technologically advanced than the first. The new magnetic clip, wireless charging, and improved palm rejection features make all the difference. And with just $30 between the two versions, we think that the Apple Pencil 2 is an absolute steal. 

That being said, there is nothing wrong with the Apple Pencil 1. When it was first released, it was the best stylus on the market. It still works well, but it lacks the new, shiny features that Apple customers have come to expect. 

So, which is the best Apple Pencil for you? 

Enhance Your Apple Pencil Experience With Rock Paper Pencil

No matter which Apple Pencil you choose, you can use Rock Paper Pencil to enhance your iPad writing/drawing experience. Rock Paper Pencil combines a ballpoint Apple Pencil tip and a reusable, matte screen protector. Together, they create the most realistic pen-on-paper feeling for iPad.

• Ditch the slip: On its own, the iPad’s glass screen is a slippery surface that creates an inconsistent drag on your Apple Pencil.

• Smoother, more precise strokes: Rock Paper Pencil adds subtle friction between your screen and Apple Pencil tip, giving you more control with each stroke output.