One of the must-have accessories for an iPad is the Apple Pencil. It is ideal for taking notes or drawing drawings in a very comfortable way, although you can always have doubts about whether to choose the first or second generation Apple Pencil. In this article we analyze the differences and similarities that exist between both models.
Apple Pencil designs facing each other
The Apple Pencil was launched on the market in 2015 with a design that is very reminiscent of a traditional pencil. In its first generation, a totally circular design was chosen that seeks to achieve an experience similar to that of a pen or pencil. This obviously has the problem that it can easily fall when rolling on a flat and slightly inclined surface. That is why in its second generation it opted for a design that was not completely cylindrical but with a flat part that in addition to allowing wireless charging makes it much more ergonomic.
Apart from this we see as a significant difference the fact that in the first generation a metallic gray band was included that gave rise to the plug of the charging system. This detail in the design has completely disappeared in the second generation making an Apple Pencil much more uniform.
When it comes to the tip of the pencil, there are not very notable differences between the two models. Both have a rubber tip that can be removed and exchanged for a new one if it wears out.
If you also want to take into account the diameter or weight of each of the accessories, we summarize it in this table:
| Apple Pencil 1 | Apple Pencil 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Long | 17.75 cm | 16.6 cm |
| Diameter | 0.89 cm | 0.89 cm |
| Weight | 20.7 g | 20.7 g |
| Connections | Bluetooth, lightning connector. | Bluetooth |
How to recharge
One of the big changes that can be seen between the first and second generation model is undoubtedly the charging system. The first Apple Pencil that was launched on the market has a somewhat peculiar charging method. You need to remove a plug on the top to gain access to the Lightning connector that can be connected to the iPad through the charging port. This is something really uncomfortable as it makes the device as a whole have a size in which it is almost impossible to transport. In many cases the combo itself has been compared to a lollipop by being able to take the iPad from the Apple Pencil.
This changed with the arrival of the second generation model by opting for a wireless charging system that works by docking the Apple Pencil to the iPad. This includes a magnetic area where you can place the stylus to start charging. In this way it can be transported in a really simple way by not taking up too much space in that location. This also means that the user always has a charge in the Apple Pencil as it is always docked in the wireless charging port, called the Smart Connector. This is a limiting factor for accessory compatibility as it will depend on this charging zone on the iPad.
Functions in writing and drawing
Taking advantage of the flat area that is included in the second generation Apple Pencil, a tactile area that is not in the first generation was included. In this way with a double tap you can change tools without having to release the pencil. You can choose to always have the draft at hand with these two taps on the shortcut. This makes it an accessory that is ideal especially for those who use it to draw or write constantly since it saves you from having to choose a tool on the iPad screen.
This is something that is not included in the first generation or anything close to it. It only has the function of writing or drawing on the screen but it does not have any surface or button that allows you to customize the tools that are used. You are forced to have to release it and choose the tool you want with your finger on the screen.
Compatibility of both
There are important differences in the models that are compatible with each of the Apple Pencils. The first generation is reserved for the most basic and economical equipment on the market, leaving the second generation for the most professional.
Compatibility Apple Pencil 1st generation
- iPad Pro 12.9 ″ first and second generation.
- 9.7 ″ iPad Pro.
- 10.5 ″ iPad Pro.
- iPad 9.7 ″ 6th generation.
- 3rd generation iPad Air.
- iPad mini 5.
- iPad 10.2 ″ 7th generation.
Second generation Apple Pencil compatibility
- iPad Pro 11 ″ 2nd generation.
- iPad Pro 12.9 ″ 3rd and 4th generation.
- iPad Pro 11 ″ 1st generation.
Differentiated prices
Due to the improvements included in the second generation over the first, the price has also become more expensive, with a clear difference. While the first generation model has an official price of € 99 , which has been maintained throughout the years, the second generation costs € 135 . In any case, it can be personalized for free by adding an engraving with your name, initials and even the phone number, this being something exclusive to the Apple Store.