New iPad Only Supports First-Gen Apple Pencil, Requires Adapter to Charge - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

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
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)
Related Forums: iPad, iPad Accessories

Popular Stories

apple price hike

Apple Just Increased Prices on MacBooks, iPads, and More

Thursday June 25, 2026 5:44 am PDT by
Apple today dramatically increased device prices across multiple product lines. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. After temporarily taking it down earlier today, Apple's online store is back up with a series of product price increases. The changes are as follows: HomePod mini: $129, up from $99 (+$30) HomePod: $349, up from $299 (+$50) Apple TV: $199, up from...
iCloud iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Get Two New Perks on iOS 27

Thursday July 2, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
If you pay for certain iCloud+ storage plans beyond the 5GB that Apple offers for free, you will receive two more perks on iOS 27 at no additional cost. A summary of the two new iCloud+ perks on iOS 27:Increased daily usage limits for some new Apple Intelligence features, including image generation in the revamped Image Playground app. HomeKit Secure Video cameras receive generated video...
American Express Gold Apple Pay Feature

American Express Announces New Apple Pay Feature

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:27 am PDT by
American Express today announced that you can now redeem Membership Rewards points when checking out with Apple Pay on the web and in apps on the iPhone and iPad. When checking out with Apple Pay on iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later, tap on your eligible American Express card (Platinum, Gold, Green, and others) and select the Membership Rewards points option. You can use points to cover all or...

Top Rated Comments

asdex Avatar
48 months ago
This is beyond ridiculous 🤦‍♂️
Score: 110 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Expos of 1969 Avatar
48 months ago
Tim.....Retire and get out of here. You have no clue.
Score: 76 Votes (Like | Disagree)
48 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
48 months ago
WE LOVE TO BE GREEN.
PLEASE BUY THIS NEW ADAPTER
Score: 61 Votes (Like | Disagree)
48 months ago
wow...that's a terrible decision.
Score: 60 Votes (Like | Disagree)
48 months ago


Attachment Image
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)