Apple Pencil USB-C vs Pro: Key differences and how to choose
This article compares Apple's two latest styluses, highlighting the Pro model's extra features and which iPads support each version.
Since its debut in 2015, the Apple Pencil has become an essential accessory for many iPad owners. With four generations now on the market, choosing the right one can be confusing. The newest models, Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), look nearly identical and share similar dimensions; the most obvious external difference is the USB-C charging port on the latter.
Both styluses deliver a high-end experience, offering pixel-perfect precision, low latency, a hover feature for previewing strokes, and tilt sensitivity for shading. However, the Pro model includes several upgrades not found in the USB-C version. The Pro costs $129, while the USB-C model is priced at $79, making the difference $50.
Features exclusive to the Pro
The Apple Pencil Pro adds enhanced pressure sensitivity, letting users control line thickness and darkness by applying more or less force. The "Barrel Roll" function uses a gyroscope to adjust the orientation of brush tools as the user rotates the pen. Squeezing the body opens a palette for switching between colors, line weights, and brushes. A double-tap on the base toggles between tools, such as a pen and an eraser. Haptic feedback confirms each action.
The Pro also supports wireless charging via magnetic attachment to the iPad, eliminating the need for a separate cable. It works with the Find My app and can be engraved for free.
iPad compatibility
The Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the latest iPads: the 13-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro with M4 or M5 chips, the 13-inch and 11-inch iPad Air with M2, M3, or M4 chips, and the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip. The Apple Pencil (USB-C), by contrast, supports a wider range of devices, including earlier iPad Pro and iPad Air generations, the 10th-generation iPad, and the iPad with the A16 chip. Owners of older iPads may need to look at even earlier Apple Pencil models.
Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to budget, the specific iPad, and how the stylus will be used. Students who primarily need to take notes will likely be satisfied with the cheaper USB-C version, while artists and creative professionals may find the extra control of the Pro worth the additional cost. EU regulations may also soon push Apple to introduce a refreshed lineup with replaceable batteries. Until then, Apple's support page provides a full compatibility guide for all four Pencil models.
