If you are artsy or love taking notes on your gadgets, you will appreciate the Apple Pencils with their sleek designs and unique features that set them apart from other styluses. However, there are only two variations and several compatible iPad models in the market. Therefore, you need to know which Apple Pencil works with your iPad.
So, do Apple Pencils work with iPad Air 2? The Apple Pencil does not work with the iPad Air 2. Apple Pencil is only compatible with certain iPad models, including the iPad Pro (all generations), the iPad Air (3rd generation), the iPad (6th and 7th generation), and the iPad mini (5th generation). If you have an iPad Air 2, you may still be able to use a third-party stylus or other types of iPad-compatible digital pens. However, they may not offer the same level of functionality and precision as the Apple Pencil.
The original Apple Pencil is not compatible with the iPad Air 2. This is because the iPad Air 2 lacks the necessary hardware and software support for the Apple Pencil’s Bluetooth connectivity and inductive charging abilities.
The Apple Pencil first generation only works with specific iPad models that have the required technology built-in. These compatible iPads include the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, 6th generation or later iPad, 3rd generation or later iPad Air, and 5th generation iPad mini.
Since the iPad Air 2 predates these supported models, it does not have the capabilities needed for the original Apple Pencil to function properly. Users with an iPad Air 2 cannot use the first generation Apple Pencil.
They would need to upgrade to a newer iPad model listed as compatible in order to have stylus support from the Apple Pencil. Checking the specifications before purchasing is advised to ensure your iPad works with the version of Apple Pencil you want to use.
Apple may have released better gadgets after the iPad Air 2, but the iPad Air 2 still maintains its incredible features. If you still have one or are shopping for it and you are hoping to use the stylus pen for special tasks, you would want to know whether the Apple Pencil is an ideal option.
The Apple Pencil does not work with iPad Air 2 since it doesn’t have the necessary hardware to support them. The first Pencil came after its release, meaning that its design doesn’t factor in the use of the stylus.
It won’t work even after upgrading the software, and the only way out is to buy a third-party Bluetooth pen. Thankfully, several options in the market work with various tablet models and will be effective for the iPad Air 2.
If you are a die-hard fan of Apple products, you understand that the Apple Pencils are some of the best styli. Anyone with an iPad wants their hands on one of them, from the design to the functionality.
They help you convert your writing and drawing into beautiful works of art, and it helps that there are two versions to choose from. Unfortunately, not all iPads are compatible with the two Pencils.
Buying an Apple Pencil is not worth it if you have an iPad Air 2 because the two are incompatible. The outdated tablets or versions made before the first Pencil generation do not work with the device.
Apple is usually careful to launch accessories by considering which gadgets will be compatible. Therefore, all models after 2015 have support for the first Apple Pencil and all models after 2018 work with the second-generation Pencil.
The iPad Air doesn’t have the necessary hardware that supports the Apple Pencil, automatically leaving it out of the equation. The same case applies to the first iPad Air, the 5th generation iPad, and the iPad Mini 2, 3 and 4.
All these models and their older counterparts are either out-of-date, released by Apple before the Pencil 1, or lack the hardware support to handle the Pencils. It is irreversible and impossible to include a supporting feature now.
However, thanks to third-party options, there is a way around this if you need to use a stylus for your projects. There are Bluetooth devices that come in various shapes and sizes, and all look similar to the Apple Pencil.
They also perform almost the same tasks, hence offer a simple way of converting your iPad Air 2 to a stylish notebook. The only downside is that the Apple version generally has superior features and works comparatively better with iPads.
The Apple Pencils 1 and 2 are not compatible with the iPad Air or any older iPad version released before 2015. The Air 2 doesn’t have the required hardware to pair or work with either stylus pen because Apple made it before releasing the Pencil 1. The only resort is third-party Bluetooth options that support various tablet makes and models if you want a smart pencil.
Most of them are sleek, natural to hold, and provide great drawing experiences, but the best part is that they work for all the outdated iPad models like the first-generation Air and Minis. Since they come in different designs, you can always find the perfect one that fits your budget. Besides, you will also come across brand names like Milemont, Lezgo, CLCCON and several more.
Therefore, you will need a guideline to help you pick a suitable option. The first aspect to consider is precision. You may need a consistent pen in writing and drawing without causing overlapping or lagging lines, and they should stick to the stylus tip.
The pen must also be comfortable, especially if you use it frequently. There are thick and angled grip designs, but your go-to must not cause your hand pain and should offer a perfect grip. Another often overlooked aspect is the friction between the nib and the iPad’s screen.
It should not be too slippery or too sticky, forcing you to hold it tight when in use. It is also crucial to consider the nib material, whether it is plastic or rubber and the presence of a cap or clasp to protect it when it is idle.
Lastly, keen users also consider the extra and advanced features of the pen to check that they can handle the tasks they want. Some are Bluetooth-enabled, while others use batteries, and some have added features like pressure sensitivity and palm rejection.
Alternative Bluetooth pens don’t have exclusive support and permissions for all apps, unlike Apple Pencils. If you want one for your iPad, you will have to consider several options available in the market, but your decision will be based on your needs. For instance, the Adonit brands are reliable types recommended by many users and may work well for you. They serve various Apple devices and offer stable Bluetooth connections.
How Do I Connect My Apple Pencil To My iPad Air 2?
If you have an iPad and an Apple pencil, you can convert them into a pen and paper for all your writing and drawing needs, whether for work or leisure. However, this is only possible if you know how to pair the pencil and the tablet. If you have an iPad Air and want to use it with a stylus, here is what you should know.
Unfortunately, the original Apple Pencil is not compatible with the iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 2 was released in 2014, prior to the introduction of the Apple Pencil in 2015. It lacks the necessary hardware support in order to work with the Apple Pencil. Specifically, the iPad Air 2 does not have:
- Apple Pencil paired connectivity over Bluetooth
- Inductive charging built into the frame to charge the Apple Pencil
- The current version of iPadOS with Apple Pencil integration
To use an Apple Pencil, you would need one of the supported iPad models such as an iPad Pro 12.9-inch, iPad Air 3rd generation or later, or a current iPad Mini, iPad, or iPad Pro model. The Apple Pencil second generation is also not compatible with the iPad Air 2.
While the iPad Air 2 is a capable tablet, it unfortunately does not work with any model of the Apple Pencil due to lacking the required technology. To gain Apple Pencil and stylus support, an upgrade to a newer iPad model would be required.
The iPad Air 2 cannot connect with any Apple Pencil because of hardware incompatibility issues. It lacks Palm Rejection and other features you can find when using an iPad and an Apple stylus.
Therefore, you cannot tweak the Air 2’s systems for it to support the Apple Pencil 1 or 2. Fortunately, there are third-party Bluetooth-enabled pencils that will effectively work for your iPad. They support various devices and come in great designs, almost matching the Apple pen’s performance.
The iPad Air 2 cannot work with any Apple Pencil since the technology in its design does not include the hardware that the stylus needs. The iPad is also an older model that Apple released before introducing an enhanced screen technology that can accommodate the stylus.
However, if you still want to use a stylus or other types of iPad-compatible digital pens with your iPad Air 2, you can connect them via Bluetooth. To do so, go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth” on your iPad Air 2, and turn on Bluetooth. Then, put your stylus or digital pen in pairing mode and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your iPad Air 2. Please note that not all third-party styluses or digital pens may be compatible with the iPad Air 2, and their functionality may vary.
You may think about replacing the display with a modern version, but the graphics processor on your iPad will fail to run a Retina Display. Therefore, your only option is to use a third-party Bluetooth stylus.
Before grabbing an off-brand stylus from the market, it is advisable to do intensive research on the compatible options for your iPad. Otherwise, you may lose money on a pencil that will not work regardless.
Experts recommend picking a stylus from a known brand that has been successful for other iPads. If you get an excellent third-party version, it may be challenging to differentiate its feel and responsiveness from an Apple Pencil.
To connect the two devices, you need to launch an app compatible with your stylus, turn on Bluetooth on the iPad, and ensure that the smart pencil is on. To turn on Bluetooth on the iDevice, you go to the Settings, navigate to find the Bluetooth tab, and toggle on the button next to it. Next, open the app and link it with the pencil.
You can also tweak certain settings like the screen pressure sensitivity and palm position but note that the adjustments may differ from one stylus app to the other. Remember that even if an iPad Air 2 doesn’t tether to either of the Apple Pencil generations, there are still other compatible iPads within the same price range that you can buy. For instance, the Pad Air 3 has support for the Apple Pencil 1, while iPad Air 4 works with the 2nd generation stylus.
To connect the Air 3 to Apple Pencil 1, you will need to pull out the cap and plug the lightning connector into the tablet’s charging port, and a pairing button will appear for you to click. Moreover, 4th generation and newer iPad Air versions can manage Apple Pencil 2, which offers a smooth and consistent writing experience. It is simple to link the iPad to the Apple Pencil, you only have to attach the device to the magnetic connector, and a prompt will appear on the screen asking you to pair.
You will notice that linking an Apple Pencil to its compatible iPad is faster than connecting the iDevice to a third-party Bluetooth stylus. It is also possible to encounter hitches when linking your iPad Air to a stylus pen, but there are fixes to correct most bugs.
If you use a Bluetooth link, you can switch it on and off or forget and reconnect. Also, rebooting the iPad can do the trick, but it is critical to ensure that you have two compatible gadgets before you try these settings.
Can You Use the Apple Pencil on Any iPad?
If you want to buy an Apple Pencil, your first consideration should be compatibility, lest you end up with a device that doesn’t work on your iPad. There are various tablet versions on the market and only two Pencil generations. The goal is to find out whether they are compatible with each other.
You cannot use the Apple Pencil on any iPad. The first-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with select iPad models, including:
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 1st and 2nd generation)
- iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
- iPad (6th, 7th, and 8th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
The second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the following iPad Pro models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
You cannot use the Apple Pencil on any iPad due to hardware differences that determine compatibility. iPads released by Apple after the launch of the first-generation stylus support the Pencil 1, while the versions designed after the release of the second-generation only work with the Pencil 2. On the other hand, the older models designed before 2015, when Apple created the first stylus, lack support for either stylus.
The Pencil is a special design for iPads, but the two versions serve different iPad models. Therefore, it is critical to counter-check which pen you are buying and whether it supports your iPad.
Since there are two Apple Pencil types and several iPad generations, it may be daunting to know which pairs go together. The primary guide is the release date because the pen can only work with an iPad with special hardware to manage it.
The Apple Pencil 1 is the first design by Apple with a round frame, removable cap, and a silver line. It is compatible with the 6th generation iPad, 5th generation iPad Mini, and the 3rd generation iPad Air. Similarly, it supports all iPad Pro versions except the 11-inch make. On the contrary, the Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with 11-inch iPad Pro, 4th generation iPad Air, 6th generation iPad Mini, and the 3rd generation iPad Pro (2018).
Notably, all the iPads supporting the Pencil 1 are incompatible with the Pencil 2 and all versions working with Pencil 2 lack support for the first stylus. Apple constructs each device with the accessory in mind such that the hardware should match the pen’s functionality.
The later tablet models with Pencil 2 support may be lucky to work with an improved stylus, but they don’t have lightning ports, hence cannot charge or connect to the Pencil 1 but power the Pencil 2 wirelessly.
Unfortunately, some iPad versions do not work with either pen due to hardware issues. Apple designed most before the release of the first pen; therefore, they lack the means to pair with any stylus.
These models include the iPad Air 2, 5th generation iPad, iPad Mini 4, and other earlier gadgets, especially before 2015. Therefore, it is critical to check your iPad model and generation to confirm which Pencil to buy. A third-party Bluetooth stylus will be the last resort if it doesn’t support any Apple Pencil.
Summary
If you are an artist, student or professional relying on the Apple Pencil for your projects, it is best to know the compatible iPad. The 1st generation Pencil debuted in 2015, while the enhanced version was released in 2018. Therefore, any iPad released before 2015 will not support either pen because it doesn’t have the required hardware to operate the device.
Also, note that iPads after 2015 all work with the Apple Pencil 1, while the versions after 2018 are compatible with the Pencil 2. If you have an iPad Air 2, there is no way to pair it with the Apple Pencils, and the only workaround is to buy a third-party Bluetooth stylus. Luckily, several options are available in different designs to suit your needs.
