

Returning to the Pencil, even if direct connection of a first generation Pencil to a USB-C port were feasible, the 2020 iPad Pro and Air models are not designed to pair with the Pencil over a USB interface. However, both the recording tapes and transport mechanisms differ and are not interchangeable between players. Both herald from the same era both are designed to store and play video media - and perform the precisely the same function. A technological analogy might be that of VHS and Betamax video. The two models of Pencil are technically different products designed for entirely different system architectures. By comparison, the second generation Pencil charges - and initiates pairing - via the proprietary inductive coupling of compatible models of the 2020 iPad Air and 2018/2020 models of iPad Pro. The two models of Pencil are not interchangeable.Ī first generation Pencil is charged via a direct connection to the Pencil pairing between iPad and Pencil is also performed over a direct Lightning connection of compatible models of iPad. To be clear, the first and second generation Pencil use entirely different charging and pairing interfaces. In summary, the Apple Pencil models are not interchangeable - and can only be used with the iPad that has appropriate internal hardware.Ĭonnect Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support This pencil can only be used with compatible iPad models that have a Lightning connector.Īpple are very clear in identifying compatibility of first and second generation Apple Pencil - and the models of iPad with which they can be used:Īpple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support The first generation Apple Pencil, compatible with your old iPad, uses the physical Lightning port for both pairing and charging the first generation Pencil.
#Apple pencil 2nd gen work on 4th gen update
A software update or plug-in adapter cannot add electronic hardware that the iPad does not possess. The second generation Pencil can only be used with iPad models that have the magnetic/inductive dock that is exclusively designed for the Pencil. The first and second generation Pencil use an entirely different pairing and charging interface. If Apple cannot see its way to rewarding brand loyalty, then we are going to have to consider moving away from Apple. In our family, we have an iPhone XR, iPhone 11 Pro, iPad Pro (Mk1), an iMac 5K, and now a brand new iPad 12.9 2020 model. So I now need to buy another lead to go from USB-A male to USB-C male. This morning, my brand new £1100 iPad Pro will not connect to my 2015 iMac. Knowing the absence of the 3.5mm jack socket, I already bought the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

Yet again, Apple give no consideration for backwards compatibility. the absence of a 3.5mm jack for headphones is also annoying. Apple have only supplied a charger and cable for USB-C, which has limited use. Apple are already falling short of my expectations with the accessories included in the new iPad. Could you please confirm if I will be able to link the Apple Pencil (1) with my new iPad if I purchase an adapter from lightning female socket to USB-C male. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.I appreciate that it is impossible to connect the two items directly, but your answer relates only to hardware and physical connection. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

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