Does apple pencil 2nd gen work with ipad 8th generation

  • The Apple Pencil is a special stylus that lets you draw and handwrite on your iPad.
  • There are two versions of the Apple Pencil, and they each work with a different collection of iPads.
  • You can use the Apple Pencil in art apps like Procreate, writing apps like Notes, or games like Osu!

For the first few years of the iPad's life, companies released hundreds of different styluses that they claimed would make drawing and writing a breeze. In reality, they usually weren't much better than using your finger.

This is where the Apple Pencil came in. Originally released in 2015, the Apple Pencil is a wireless stylus that's specifically designed to work with iPads. It's not much bigger than an average pen, and is great for drawing and taking notes.

Now there are two versions of the Apple Pencil, each with its own design and features. Here's everything to know about the Apple Pencil, including what it does, and what type of iPad you'll need to use one.

The Apple Pencil, explained

The Apple Pencil is a stylus — a pen made to use on digital screens — that can do anything your finger can do, but with more precision. This means that you can more easily tap small icons, draw complex shapes, and write in your own handwriting.

The Apple Pencil works with every app, but some apps unlock extra features. Apple

For example, your iPad's default Notes app has a markup feature that lets you handwrite your notes instead of typing. The Apple Pencil would be perfect here. If you have iPadOS 14 or later, you can even handwrite in any text field and have your writing converted into typed text.

Art apps like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint feel entirely new when you have a good stylus to draw with — especially one with both pressure and tilt sensors. The Pencil is also great for popular rhythm games like Osu! and VOEZ, which require the player to tap tiny buttons in time with music.

It can also be a good substitute when you don't want to use your fingers in general — maybe you're wearing heavy gloves, or have ink on your fingers. The Apple Pencil can do anything that your fingers can do.

Differences between Apple Pencil 1 and 2

If you look at both versions of the Apple Pencil, you'll notice that they look a bit different: The first-generation Apple Pencil is longer and made with glossy plastic, while the second-generation is matte and has a flat side so it doesn't roll.

And of course, the two versions also have different prices — $99 for the first generation, and $129 for the second.

The first-generation Apple Pencil (left) and second-generation Apple Pencil (right). Apple

But there aren't many functional differences between the first- and second-Generation Apple Pencils.

The one major feature that the second-generation pencil has is Double-Tap: If you're using an app like Photoshop Sketch that supports the feature, you can double-tap near the tip of your Apple Pencil to switch back to the last tool you used.

Aside from this, the only differences are how they charge and connect to the iPad, which we'll go over below.

How to charge and connect your Apple Pencil

You'll both charge and connect your Apple Pencil in the same way.

If you have a first-generation Apple Pencil, unscrew the cap on its "eraser" end to reveal the Lightning connector, and plug it into your iPad. It'll start charging right away. If you're asked if you want to pair with the Bluetooth device, tap Pair.

You'll plug the Pencil directly into the iPad's charging port to connect or charge it. William Antonelli/Insider

The second-generation Apple Pencil connects and charges by latching onto the magnetic connector on your iPad's side.

The second-generation Apple Pencil connects magnetically. Apple

Your Apple Pencil will take about 15 minutes to fully charge, and a full charge will last for about ten to twelve hours of use. You can check the battery on your Apple Pencil by swiping all the way to the left on your iPad's home or lock screen.

Does the Apple Pencil work on iPhone? 

The Apple Pencil doesn't work on an iPhone, no matter which Apple Pencil or iPhone model you have.

If you want to use a stylus on your iPhone, you can try one of the Apple Pencil alternatives like the FiftyThree Digital Stylus or Adonit Pixel. 

Does apple pencil 2nd gen work with ipad 8th generation

William Antonelli

Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews

William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at .

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Does the Apple Pencil 2 work with the 8th Generation iPad?

You can use Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with these iPad models: iPad mini (6th generation) iPad Air (4th generation and later) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)

What pencil is compatible with iPad 8th generation?

The 8th Generation iPad has a 10.2” retina display. The 8th Generation iPad supports Touch ID. 4. Any iPad that will install the latest version of iPadOS, has at least 64GB of storage, and is compatible with either version of the Apple Pencil.

Does Gen 2 Apple Pencil work with iPad?

Apple Pencil (2nd generation) also allows you to change tools without setting it down, thanks to its intuitive touch surface that supports double-tapping. Designed for iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini, it features a flat edge that attaches magnetically for automatic charging and pairing.