As an owner of the iPad Mini, I was frustrated to find out that the Apple Pencil I had was not compatible with this device. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share what Apple Pencils work with what Apple Mini.
| Apple Pencil 1 | Apple Pencil 2 | |
| iPad Mini 1 | No | No |
| iPad Mini 2 | No | No |
| iPad Mini 3 | No | No |
| iPad Mini 4 | No | No |
| iPad Mini 5 | Yes | No |
| iPad Mini 6 | No | Yes |
As you can see, the older generations do not work with the Apple Pencil because it was introduced after they were released and the new iPads use special in-screen technology to communicate with the pencil which the old iPads do not have.
However, you can use other Bluetooth styluses with them. So, if you want to use a stylus with one of the old iPad Minis, you can still do it, just not with the Apple Pencil.
Despite that, there are a number of advantages to choosing the newest iPad which can work with the Apple Pencil 2.
Read more: How long does the Apple Pencil stay charged?
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- The Apple Pencil does not work with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations of the iPad Mini.
- The 5th gen iPad Mini works with the 1st gen Apple Pencil, and the 6th gen iPad Mini works with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil.
- The iPad Mini 6 is highly recommended due to its larger edge-to-edge display, faster CPU and GPU, and faster SSD.
- The Apple Pencil 2 features a matte finish and can be easily connected to the side of the iPad. This can help ensure that the pencil is always charged and that you do not lose the pencil.
Does the Apple Pencil Work With the iPad Mini 1?
No, the Apple Pencil does not work with the 1st gen iPad Mini. This is because the iPad Mini 1st gen does not feature some of the hardware that is used to communicate with the pencil that the newer iPads do possess. However, you can still use other Bluetooth styluses with the iPad.
Read more: How to find Apple Pencil?
Does the Apple Pencil Work With the iPad Mini 2?
No, the Apple Pencil does not work with the 2nd gen iPad Mini. This is because the 2nd gen iPad Mini does not feature some of the hardware that is used to communicate with the pencil that the newer iPads do possess.
However, you can still use other Bluetooth styluses with the iPad.
Does the Apple Pencil Work With the iPad Mini 3?
No, the Apple Pencil does not work with the 3rd gen iPad Mini. This is because the 3rd gen iPad Mini does not feature some of the hardware that is used to communicate with the pencil that the newer iPads do possess. However, you can still use other Bluetooth styluses with the 3rd gen iPad Mini.
Does the Apple Pencil Work With the iPad Mini 4?
No, the Apple Pencil does not work with the 2nd gen iPad Mini. This is because the 2nd gen iPad Mini does not feature some of the hardware that is used to communicate with the pencil that the newer iPads do possess. However, you can still use other Bluetooth styluses with the 3rd gen iPad Mini.
Does the Apple Pencil Work With the iPad Mini 5?
The 5th gen iPad mini works with the 1st gen Apple Pencil. This means that the pencil gets charged via the lightning port and you cannot magnetically attach it to the iPad like you can with the iPad mini 6. If you are looking to buy an iPad and want to use the Apple Pencil, this would be the minimum option for you.
However, it would be recommended that you get the 6th gen iPad mini because it offers many advantages over the iPad mini 5 and works with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil.
Does the Apple Pencil Work With the iPad Mini 6?
The iPad mini 6 works with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil.
However, the 1st gen Apple Pencil does not work with the iPad Mini 6. If you are looking to buy an iPad, this iPad is most recommended because it is the only one that currently works with the Apple Pencil 2.
The Apple Pencil 2 can be attached to the side of the iPad.
This is a significant advantage because you do not have to worry about breaking the pencil the way you do with the 1st gen and because you can leave the Apple Pencil connected to the side of the iPad when you are not using it.
This can help to ensure that you never run out of power on the Pencil and that you do not lose it.
Why you should consider the Apple Pencil 2 and the iPad mini 6
If you are looking to buy an iPad Mini, I would personally recommend that you get the iPad Mini 6. The reason for this is that it is the first generation to feature an edge-to-edge display like you see on the newer iPad pro models.
This means that the iPad has more screen real estate and a smaller design making it easier to hold in the hands. It also features a better display, a faster CPU and more powerful GPU and has a faster SSD.
Most people like the iPad mini because they want a large display that is not a burden to hold. Due to the edge-to-edge display, it means that the iPad mini is actually smaller than previous generations despite having a larger display.
This means that the 6th gen iPad mini is nicer to hold and can be more easily used for things like gaming.
As mentioned above, the iPad mini 6 is also the only iPad that works with the Apple Pencil 2.
The Apple Pencil 2 features a slightly different design to the 1st gen, it has a matte finish and can be easily connected to the side of the iPad.
This can help you to ensure that the pencil is always charged and that you do not lose the pencil.
Pros of the Apple Pencil 2 and the iPad Mini 6
- Edge-to-edge display offers more screen real estate
- Smaller design is easier to hold
- Better display and faster CPU and GPU
- Faster SSD
- Compatible with Apple Pencil 2 which has a matte finish and can be easily connected to the side of the iPad
Cons of the Apple Pencil 2 and the iPad Mini 6
- More expensive than previous generations of the iPad Mini
- Apple Pencil 2 is not compatible with older generations of the iPad Mini
- Apple Pencil 2 is not compatible with the 1st gen Apple Pencil
