New iPad Only Supports First-Gen Apple Pencil, Requires Adapter to Charge

The new, 10th-generation iPad only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, meaning that it requires an adapter to charge separately via a wired connection since the device has moved to USB-C.

usb c apple pencil adapter
The new iPad has no magnetic wireless charger on the side to connect to the second-generation ‌Apple Pencil‌. Only the first-generation ‌Apple Pencil‌ is supported by the device, which normally needs to be plugged into a Lightning port to charge. The ‌iPad‌ now has a USB-C port, meaning that the ‌Apple Pencil‌ can no longer be charged directly via the ‌iPad‌.

Entry-level ‌iPad‌ users who want to use the ‌Apple Pencil‌ will need to charge the accessory using a USB-C cable and a separate adapter. The smallprint on Apple's 10th-generation ‌iPad‌ press release states:

Apple Pencil (1st generation) is compatible with the new iPad. A new USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required for pairing and charging and is included in the box with a new version of Apple Pencil (1st generation) for $99 (US).

For existing owners of Apple Pencil (1st generation), the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is sold separately for $9 (US).

The first-generation ‌Apple Pencil‌ came with a female to female Lightning adapter allowing it to be charged separately, but now Apple is offering a new variant of the accessory called the "USB-C to ‌Apple Pencil‌ Adapter" that enables ‌Apple Pencil‌ users to charge. The adapter is available separately at a price of $9 for existing ‌Apple Pencil‌ users, while new ‌Apple Pencil‌ units include the adapter in the box.

Related Roundup: iPad
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Related Forums: iPad, iPad Accessories

Top Rated Comments

asdex Avatar
8 months ago
This is beyond ridiculous ?‍♂️
Score: 110 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Expos of 1969 Avatar
8 months ago
Tim.....Retire and get out of here. You have no clue.
Score: 76 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dantracht Avatar
8 months ago
Sorry but what a bad move. Should have been 2nd gen pencil given the price increase. That and the price made me pass on this for an air instead. Which was their plan all along I suppose?
Score: 75 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WiiDSmoker Avatar
8 months ago
WE LOVE TO BE GREEN.
PLEASE BUY THIS NEW ADAPTER
Score: 61 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coachgq Avatar
8 months ago
wow...that's a terrible decision.
Score: 60 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacNutty Avatar
8 months ago


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Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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