If you’re still rocking the original Apple Pencil, you know the struggle. It’s a fantastic tool, honestly. But it’s also a rolling, slipping, "where did I put that tiny cap?" nightmare waiting to happen. Unlike the 2nd gen or the newer Pro models, the 1st gen doesn't just snap onto the side of your iPad with a satisfying click. It's perfectly round, which is great for ergonomics but terrible for physics.
Basically, if you set it down on a slightly tilted coffee shop table, it's gone.
Finding a solid apple pencil case 1st gen isn't just about making it look cute—though that’s a perk. It’s about survival for a piece of tech that costs $99 and has more loose parts than a Lego set. Between the lightning adapter, the extra nib, and that magnetic cap that seems to have a mind of its own, you need a system.
The Cap Loss Panic is Real
We’ve all been there. You plug the Pencil into the bottom of your iPad to charge—looking like a weird digital lollipop—and you set the cap down. Five minutes later, it’s vanished into the couch cushions.
This is where a sleeve-style apple pencil case 1st gen saves your sanity. Most of these, like the ones from AhaStyle or Hydream, feature a tether. It’s a simple silicone loop that keeps the cap attached to the body of the pencil even when you’re charging. It sounds like a small thing until you realize Apple charges about $10 for a replacement cap.
Some people hate the look of the tether. I get it. It ruins the "clean" Apple aesthetic. But compared to the alternative of a naked lightning connector poking out? I'll take the tether every time.
Grips: Because Glossy Plastic is Slippery
The first-gen Pencil is made of a very slick, polished plastic. If your hands get even a little sweaty while drawing in Procreate, it starts to feel like you’re trying to write with a wet icicle.
Artists usually gravitate toward thicker grips. Liz Kohler Brown, a well-known digital illustrator, often recommends grips that flare out at the base. These allow you to open up your grip, reducing hand fatigue during those four-hour shading sessions.
What to Look for in a Grip:
- Material: Stick with high-grade silicone. It doesn't attract as much lint as the cheap stuff.
- Thickness: If you have large hands, look for "ergonomic" versions. If you want it to still fit in your iPad case's built-in slot, you need "ultra-thin."
- Friction: Some sleeves have a matte texture that mimics the feel of the 2nd generation Pencil.
The "Everything Bag" Approach
Maybe you don't want a skin. Maybe you like the pencil naked but need a place to put it when you're traveling. This is where the hardshell apple pencil case 1st gen comes into play.
Brands like Belkin and Fintie make these little "pencil boxes" that are actually quite brilliant. They have dedicated slots for the Pencil, the charging adapter (the most easily lost item in tech history), and spare tips.
I’ve seen people try to use regular pencil pouches, but the Apple Pencil is sensitive. A hard drop inside a soft bag can actually damage the internal pressure sensors. A dedicated hardshell case acts like a tiny suit of armor. Plus, it keeps your lightning-to-USB adapter from floating around at the bottom of your backpack.
💡 You might also like: Who Is Big Balls in Doge: The Viral Crypto Identity Explained
Does it Fit Your iPad Case?
This is the biggest "gotcha" when buying an apple pencil case 1st gen.
If you already have an iPad case with a built-in pencil slot (the little "trench" on the side or the elastic loop), a silicone sleeve will likely make the pencil too thick to fit. It’s incredibly frustrating to buy a beautiful lavender skin only to realize you can’t close your iPad cover anymore.
If you have a built-in slot:
- Go for an ultra-thin skin (usually 0.35mm).
- Or, skip the skin and get a stick-on sleeve from ESR. You just stick it to the back of your iPad, and it holds the pencil securely regardless of how thick it is.
Charging Workarounds
Charging the 1st gen Pencil is... awkward. Plugging it into the iPad’s port is a recipe for a snapped connector if someone bumps into you.
👉 See also: How the Black-Footed Ferret Cloning Success Is Actually Rewriting the Rules of Conservation
Many modern cases now include a "stand" feature. The Belkin Case and Stand is a favorite because it gives you a vertical dock to rest the pencil in while you're taking a break. It doesn't charge it, but it keeps the tip protected and the pencil upright.
For actual charging, look for a case that has a dedicated spot for the female-to-female Lightning adapter. This allows you to charge with a standard cable instead of the iPad itself. If your case doesn't have a spot for this adapter, you will lose it. That’s not a threat, it’s just a statistical certainty.
Why You Shouldn't Go Too Cheap
You can find 1st gen cases for $3 on certain marketplaces. Avoid them.
Cheap silicone has two major problems. First, it stretches. After a month, the "snug" fit becomes a loose sleeve that slides down and covers the tip while you're writing. Super annoying. Second, it smells like a tire fire. Higher-end brands use "food-grade" silicone that doesn't have that chemical stench and stays tight for years.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to gear up, here is exactly how to choose:
🔗 Read more: The 1973 Brick: What Really Happened When the First Cell Phone Was Invented
- For the Artist: Get a thick, ergonomic silicone grip like the UpperCase NimbleGrip. Your joints will thank you.
- For the Student: Grab a sleeve with an integrated cap tether. You’re moving between classes, and that’s when caps disappear.
- For the Minimalist: Look for the Moxiware Magnet Sleeve. It adds magnets to your 1st gen Pencil so it can actually stick to the side of your iPad like the newer ones do.
- For the Traveler: Buy a hardshell carrying case (like the AGPTEK) that holds the charging adapter and extra nibs in foam-padded slots.
Check your current iPad case measurements before you hit "buy." If your case has a tight plastic mold for the pencil, only the thinnest skins will work. If you have an elastic loop, you've got much more wiggle room for a comfy, chunky grip.