Navigating the Apple Pencil Maze: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
Your iPad isn’t just a tablet—it’s a canvas, a notebook, a creative powerhouse. And at the heart of that magic? The Apple Pencil. But with four models vying for space in your cart (Apple Pencil Pro, 2nd Generation, USB-C, and 1st Generation), choosing the right one can feel like picking a favorite child.
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which stylus to snag based on your needs, budget, and iPad setup.
As of late 2025, Apple’s lineup hasn’t seen a massive shake-up since the Pro’s debut, but compatibility tweaks with newer iPads (like the M5 Pro and A17 Pro mini) make this a perfect time to revisit. I’ll break it down with specs, pros/cons, and real-talk recommendations
The Apple Pencil Lineup: A Quick Rundown
- Apple Pencil Pro (KSh 20, 000): The premium powerhouse for pros and power users. Think advanced gestures like squeezing to switch tools or rolling the barrel to rotate shapes.
- Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) (KSh 14,500): The reliable veteran with pressure sensitivity and seamless magnetic charging—still a beast for most creatives.
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) (KSh 13,500): The budget-friendly entry point. No pressure sensitivity, but it nails the basics with a modern twist.
- Apple Pencil (1st Generation) (KSh 15,000): The OG for older iPads. It’s got pressure, but charging via Lightning feels a bit… 2015.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature/ModelApple Pencil Pro2nd GenerationUSB-C1st GenerationPrice (KSh)16,70016,70010,20012,800Pressure SensitivityYesYesNoYesCharging/PairingMagnetic (wireless)Magnetic (wireless)USB-C (wired)Lightning (wired)Double-Tap Tool SwitchNo (uses squeeze instead)YesNoNoHover PreviewYesNoYesNoSqueeze GestureYesNoNoNoBarrel RollYesNoNoNoHaptic FeedbackYesNoNoNoFind My IntegrationYesNoNoNoStorageMagnetic clipMagnetic clipMagnetic clipNoneBattery Life~12 hours~12 hours~10 hours~12 hoursWeight19.15g20.7g20.5g20.7g