Let’s be real for a second. The Apple Pencil 1st generation looks a bit like a high-tech golf tee. It’s long, it’s perfectly glossy, and it has that cap on the end that everyone—and I mean everyone—is terrified of losing. When it first launched alongside the original iPad Pro back in 2015, it was a revolution. Now, in 2026, it’s the survivor of the tablet world.
It’s easy to poke fun at the "lollipop" charging method. You know the one. You plug it into the bottom of your iPad and it sticks out at a 90-degree angle, just waiting for a stray elbow to snap it off. It’s awkward. It’s kinda funny. But honestly? It still works. And for a huge chunk of iPad users, it’s not just the only option—it’s actually a better deal than the newer, fancier models.
The Compatibility Maze
If you're buying an Apple Pencil today, you have to be careful. Like, "read the fine print three times" careful. Apple has made the compatibility list for the Apple Pencil 1st generation look like a logic puzzle.
Basically, if your iPad has a Home button, you’re probably looking at this Pencil. We’re talking about:
- iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generations)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- The ancient (but still capable) iPad Pro 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch
Then there’s the iPad 10th gen. This is where things get... spicy. This iPad has a USB-C port, but it only works with the 1st Gen Pencil if you use a specific adapter. Apple includes this adapter in the box now, but if you’re buying used, you’ve got to make sure it’s there. Otherwise, you’re just holding a very expensive stick that can't talk to your tablet.
Why Artists Still Hunt for the OG Pencil
You might think the newer Apple Pencil USB-C is the better buy because it’s cheaper ($79 versus $99). You’d be wrong. Well, if you’re an artist, anyway.
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The biggest secret about the Apple Pencil 1st generation is that it has pressure sensitivity. The newer "budget" USB-C model doesn't.
Think about that for a second. If you press harder with the 1st Gen, your line gets thicker. If you press lightly, you get a faint whisper of a mark. For digital painting in Procreate or sketching in Fresco, that’s everything. Without it, your drawings feel flat and lifeless. The 1st Gen might be older, but it has the "soul" of a real art tool that the basic USB-C version lacks.
It’s got tilt support too. You can shade with the side of the nib just like a real graphite pencil. I’ve seen professional illustrators like Gal Shir still pull off incredible work on older iPads using this exact setup. It’s proof that you don't need the M4 iPad Pro and the "Pro" Pencil to make something beautiful.
The Battery Ghost and How to Fight It
Here is something nobody tells you until it’s too late: if you leave your Apple Pencil 1st generation in a drawer for six months, it might die. Permanently.
The tiny lithium-ion battery inside is a bit of a diva. If it drops to 0% and stays there for a long time, it can "deep discharge." When that happens, the iPad won't recognize it anymore. You’ll plug it in, wait an hour, and... nothing. No pairing pop-up. No battery percentage. Just a dead white stick.
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To keep yours alive, you’ve basically got to treat it like a pet. Give it a "snack" once a month. Just plug it into your iPad for 10 minutes even if you aren't using it. Honestly, 15 seconds of charging gives you about 30 minutes of use, so it’s not a huge time sink.
What to do if it won't pair
If you’re staring at an unresponsive Pencil, don’t panic yet. Try these:
- Check the nib. Sometimes it unscrews just a tiny bit. If it’s loose, the iPad won't register the touch. Twist it clockwise until it's snug.
- Toggle Bluetooth. Turn it off in Settings, wait five seconds, and flip it back on.
- The "Forget" trick. Go to Bluetooth settings, find the Pencil, and tap "Forget This Device." Then plug it back into the Lightning port to force a new handshake.
The "Rolling" Problem and Other Quirks
Apple made the 1st Gen Pencil perfectly round. It’s sleek, sure. It also behaves like a marble. If your desk has even a 1-degree tilt, that Pencil is heading for the floor.
Most people end up buying a cheap silicone sleeve or a "pencil cozy" to keep the cap attached. Because let’s be honest: that cap is tiny. It’s magnetic, but not that magnetic. It will end up in the couch cushions or eaten by a vacuum cleaner if you aren't careful.
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Also, the length. It’s 175.7 mm long. That’s noticeably longer than the 2nd Gen or the Pro. For some people with smaller hands, it feels a bit back-heavy. You get used to it, but it’s definitely a different "vibe" than holding a standard No. 2 pencil.
Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?
If you are a student on a budget or someone who just bought a refurbished iPad 9, the answer is a resounding yes.
While the tech world moves fast, the actual drawing experience on the Apple Pencil 1st generation hasn't really been "beaten" by anything at this price point. Third-party styluses from brands like Logitech (the Crayon) are great for notes, but they lack that crucial pressure sensitivity.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your model: Go to Settings > General > About and check your Model Name before buying. Don't guess.
- Buy a tether: Spend $5 on a silicone cap holder. It'll save you $20 for a replacement cap later.
- Charge it now: If you have one sitting in a bag, go plug it in for 10 minutes. Your future self will thank you for not letting the battery hit the point of no return.
- Clean the port: If it’s not charging, use a toothpick (carefully!) to clean lint out of your iPad’s Lightning port. Dust is usually the culprit.
The 1st Gen Pencil is a weird, wonderful piece of hardware. It’s a bridge between the old iPad era and the new one. It’s definitely not perfect, but for anyone who wants to actually draw without spending $1,000 on a new setup, it remains the gold standard.