Apple Pencil price in the US: $79 (USB-C), $129 (2nd gen or Pro), and $99 (1st gen); education discounts drop some models to $69–$119.
You’re here for the numbers, and they’re clear. The lineup spans four models with different features and charging styles. The base pen hits the lowest price, the wireless-charging pens sit in the middle, and the newest Pro model packs extra controls while matching the 2nd gen on list price. Below is the quick view before we get into value, compatibility, student deals, and extras.
Current Models And List Prices
| Model | List Price (US) | Works With (Quick Glance) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | $79 | Most recent USB-C iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad mini models |
| Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) | $129 | Magnet-charging iPad Pro/Air models that support the 2nd gen design |
| Apple Pencil Pro | $129 | Latest iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2/M3) family; select newer mini |
| Apple Pencil (1st Generation) | $99 | Older Lightning-era iPads; 10th-gen iPad needs the USB-C adapter |
Apple Pencil Price Today: Models And Options
Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $79. This is the budget-friendly pen with USB-C pairing and charging. It snaps to the side of many iPads for storage, supports tilt, and keeps latency low. It skips pressure sensitivity and double-tap tool switching, so artists who press for line weight will feel that difference. For note-taking, markup, journaling, and classroom use, the value is strong at this price point.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) — $129. This is the magnetic, wireless-charging pen most creators know well. It supports pressure sensitivity and the handy double-tap gesture to swap tools. If your iPad supports this model, you get a familiar feel and a reliable workflow without jumping to the Pro’s new tricks. Many buyers choose it purely for wireless charging and the pressure response.
Apple Pencil Pro — $129. Same list price as the 2nd gen, but it layers on squeeze actions to call up palettes, a barrel-roll gyroscope for brush orientation control, haptics, and Find My. If your iPad supports it, you’re paying the same MSRP for more control and a better “pen as a tool” feel. That makes Pro the sweet spot for digital artists who want extra nuance without paying more.
Apple Pencil (1st generation) — $99. This pen continues to serve older, Lightning-era iPads. It still supports pressure and tilt, and it pairs over Lightning. With the 10th-gen iPad or the newer A-series iPad, you’ll need the USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter to pair and charge. If you’re on legacy hardware, this keeps everything working at the lowest upfront cost.
Which Model Delivers The Best Value?
For drawing on a supported iPad: the Pro wins at the same list price as the 2nd gen. The squeeze gesture speeds color and tool changes, barrel roll controls brush orientation, and haptics give feedback that feels natural while you work. If your iPad supports Pro, there’s no price penalty at MSRP, so it’s the obvious pick for creative work.
For notes, school, and markup: the USB-C model stands out. It covers palm rejection, tilt, and low latency at the lowest price. Students and writers who don’t rely on pressure sensitivity can save cash and still get a pen that feels snappy.
For older iPads: the 1st gen remains the compatible choice. If you plan to upgrade your iPad soon, think about timing: moving to a model that supports 2nd gen or Pro unlocks magnetic charging and the modern attachment design. If the upgrade is far off, the $99 pen keeps you productive today.
Check Compatibility Before You Buy
Apple splits support across iPad families and years. The Pro and the 2nd gen attach and charge magnetically on the side of supported models. The USB-C pen attaches magnetically for storage but pairs and charges with a cable. The 1st gen relies on Lightning, and for newer USB-C iPads you’ll use the small adapter in the box to pair and charge.
Quick rules that help:
- New iPad Pro or recent iPad Air? You’re likely in Pro or 2nd-gen territory with magnetic charging.
- New standard iPad or iPad mini? The USB-C pen is usually the fit and keeps cost low.
- Older iPad with Lightning? The 1st gen pen is the match; newer base iPad models can use it with the adapter.
When in doubt, check Apple’s product page for the current lineup and the compatibility picker. It lists exact iPad models by generation and makes the choice straightforward. See the official Apple Pencil Pro page for current model support and the live MSRP.
Student And Educator Pricing
Students, parents buying for students, and faculty can buy through Apple’s U.S. education store with lower accessory pricing. Current education pricing typically sits at $69 for the USB-C pen, $119 for the 2nd gen, $119 for the Pro, and $89 for the 1st gen. Those numbers come from Apple’s posted education price list for U.S. institutions and reflect common retail prices during the school year.
How to qualify: Apple verifies eligibility during checkout. You’ll shop through the education storefront with your Apple ID and the system applies the accessory savings. The discount is smaller than a full device deal, but it puts the modern pens in easier reach for coursework and studio classes.
Education Prices At A Glance
| Model | Ed. Price (US) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | $69 | U.S. students, parents of students, and educators |
| Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) | $119 | Same as above via Apple’s education store |
| Apple Pencil Pro | $119 | Same as above via Apple’s education store |
| Apple Pencil (1st Generation) | $89 | Same as above via Apple’s education store |
You can scan the official U.S. education price list to confirm model-by-model pricing and date stamps for the current term. Apple periodically runs seasonal promos through the education storefront that pair devices with a bonus accessory, so timing a purchase near those windows can stretch your budget. Here’s the direct link to the U.S. education price list (PDF).
What’s Included, And What Costs Extra
In the box you get the pen itself; the USB-C model includes its sliding cap, and the 1st gen bundle includes the adapter you’ll need for newer USB-C iPads. Extra tips ship in a separate pack. Apple sells a four-pack of replacement tips for $19, which is the quick fix once a tip has worn down after months of heavy sketching or annotation.
Cases, sleeves, and nib covers are optional. Many creators skip nib covers to keep the native glide on glass or a matte screen protector. If you use a matte protector, your tip will wear faster, so plan for an occasional $19 refresh.
Do Street Prices Ever Dip?
Third-party retailers sometimes shave a few dollars off list price, especially around holidays and back-to-school. Apple’s own storefront rarely cuts list pricing outside education savings, though it may bundle accessories during student promos. If you want the cleanest warranty process and engraving on select models, buying directly from Apple is the simplest path. If you shop elsewhere, match the exact model name to avoid mix-ups between USB-C, 2nd gen, and Pro.
Feature Notes That Affect Price And Feel
Charging and pairing. USB-C model pairs and charges by cable; 2nd gen and Pro attach magnetically to supported iPads for wireless charging and pairing. If you hop between classes or meetings all day, magnetic charging removes the cable hunt and keeps the pen topped up.
Gestures and controls. The 2nd gen supports double-tap to swap tools. Pro adds a squeeze action to pull up palettes, barrel roll for brush rotation, and haptic taps for feedback. If you live in Procreate, Affinity, Concepts, or Notability, those cues can shave time every hour you create or annotate.
Pressure and tilt. Artists who vary line weight by pressure should avoid the USB-C pen, as it lacks pressure sensitivity. Tilt works across the lineup, so shading and angled strokes still feel natural.
Hover. On supported iPads, you can preview the stroke before touching the glass. It’s a small touch that speeds placement when sketching or lining up handwriting. Model support depends on the iPad you own, so always check the compatibility picker before you buy.
Fast Picks
Want the one-line guide? Match your iPad to the modern magnetic pens when you can. Pick USB-C for notes and budget, 2nd gen for pressure at a fair price, and Pro when your iPad supports it and you want extra control without paying more than the 2nd gen.
Key Takeaways
- US MSRP: $79 (USB-C), $129 (2nd gen), $129 (Pro), $99 (1st gen).
- Education deals: $69–$119 across the lineup, eligibility required through Apple’s education store.
- Compatibility first: match your iPad model, charging style, and app needs before you buy.
- Extras: replacement tips cost $19 per four-pack; expect faster wear with matte screen films.