Apple’s new 10.5-inch iPad Air and updated iPad mini only work with the old Apple Pencil
Apple quietly released an updated 5th generation iPad mini and all-new 10.5-inch iPad Air both featuring Apple Pencil support on Monday, though prospective buyers may be surprised to learn only the original 1st generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the two new devices.
As confirmed online on Apple.com, the company is keeping support the latest Apple Pencil (2nd generation) exclusively for the 2018 Face ID-equipped iPad Pro models, meaning customers purchasing either the new 10.5-inch iPad Air or updated iPad mini will have to forfeit the many features found on the 2nd generation such as wireless charging and the pencil’s touch sensitive surface.
Apple sells the original Apple Pencil for $99 (£89 in the United Kingdom) and the second generation Apple Pencil for $129/£119.
Apple hasn’t commented on why it’s not offering support for the newer second generation Apple Pencil on the new 10.5-inch iPad Air and updated iPad mini, but it is likely that the company simply wants to keep its more advanced technology just for the higher priced iPad Pro.