iPad 10 supports first-gen Apple Pencil but requires a dongle to charge it

Apple’s new entry-level iPad 10 features all the right things that make it a great tool for productivity and creativity, except for one thing: support for the second-generation Apple Pencil.

There is also a caveat for existing first-gen Apple Pencil owners that requires them to pay more for a product they have already purchased if they want to use it with the 10th-generation iPad.

Apple Pencil iPad 10

First-gen Apple Pencil owners will have to pay an additional $9 to use it with the iPad 10

The 10th-generation iPad comes with a new display, USB-C connectivity, faster Wi-Fi 6, and much more. While it may seem like the perfect device for creativity and productivity, as Apple has said, there is one thing the entry-level iPad lacks: a magnetic wireless charger for the second-generation Apple Pencil. So, it is only compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil.

This brings us to the next point. To charge the first-gen Apple Pencil, users typically have to plug it into a Lightning port. However, since Apple ditched the Lightning port in favor of USB-C connectivity, that is not possible either.

Now that we know that the Apple Pencil cannot directly be charged using the iPad, how does it get charged? In the small print of Apple’s press release, the company states that existing users of the first-gen Apple Pencil will need to shell out $9 for a new USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter.

Apple Pencil (1st generation) is compatible with the new iPad. A new USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required for pairing and charging and is included in the box with a new version of Apple Pencil (1st generation) for $99 (US).

For existing owners of Apple Pencil (1st generation), the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is sold separately for $9 (US).

USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter

The adapter can be purchased separately for existing ‌Apple Pencil‌ users. On the other hand, users who purchase the first-gen Apple Pencil now will receive the new adapter in the box.

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About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.

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