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Will an update be released for the Apple Pencil 2nd gen to be used on iPad 7th gen?

I purchased an Apple Pencil 2nd generation without double checking if it works on my iPad 7th generation, yes my bad BUT is there any indication/possibility it will have a firmware update to allow it to work with other iPads? I know there are talks about a 3rd gen pencil coming out, so I figured the 2015 1st apple pencil would be obsolete soon and the 2nd gen or even 3rd gen can be used for any iPad. Maybe it’s wishful thinking but I would like to get a better idea before I return it and purchase the 1st gen pencil.


I appreciate the help/thoughts.

iPad, iPadOS 14

Posted on Oct 1, 2020 6:15 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 2, 2020 9:20 AM

BCPro1 wrote:

I purchased an Apple Pencil 2nd generation without double checking if it works on my iPad 7th generation, yes my bad BUT is there any indication/possibility it will have a firmware update to allow it to work with other iPads? I know there are talks about a 3rd gen pencil coming out, so I figured the 2015 1st apple pencil would be obsolete soon and the 2nd gen or even 3rd gen can be used for any iPad. Maybe it’s wishful thinking but I would like to get a better idea before I return it and purchase the 1st gen pencil.

I appreciate the help/thoughts.


A firmware update cannot add electronic hardware that is not present on your iPad.


To be clear, you will never be able to use a second generation Apple Pencil with an iPad7. The electronic hardware used by the Pencil and iPad are fundamentally incompatible.


The second generation Pencil utilises a magnetic/inductive interface that is built-in to the edge of compatible models of the iPad chassis - for both pairing and charging the Pencil. This hardware interface is only present in the 2018/2020 models of iPad Pro and the new 2020 fourth generation iPad Air.


By contrast, your iPad7 uses the Lightning port of the iPad to both pair and charge a first generation Apple Pencil. The second generation Pencil has no electrical connection with which to connect with your iPad.


If you are able to do so, you’ll need to return the second generation Pencil to your retailer - and exchange it for the compatible first generation model.



3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 2, 2020 9:20 AM in response to BCPro1

BCPro1 wrote:

I purchased an Apple Pencil 2nd generation without double checking if it works on my iPad 7th generation, yes my bad BUT is there any indication/possibility it will have a firmware update to allow it to work with other iPads? I know there are talks about a 3rd gen pencil coming out, so I figured the 2015 1st apple pencil would be obsolete soon and the 2nd gen or even 3rd gen can be used for any iPad. Maybe it’s wishful thinking but I would like to get a better idea before I return it and purchase the 1st gen pencil.

I appreciate the help/thoughts.


A firmware update cannot add electronic hardware that is not present on your iPad.


To be clear, you will never be able to use a second generation Apple Pencil with an iPad7. The electronic hardware used by the Pencil and iPad are fundamentally incompatible.


The second generation Pencil utilises a magnetic/inductive interface that is built-in to the edge of compatible models of the iPad chassis - for both pairing and charging the Pencil. This hardware interface is only present in the 2018/2020 models of iPad Pro and the new 2020 fourth generation iPad Air.


By contrast, your iPad7 uses the Lightning port of the iPad to both pair and charge a first generation Apple Pencil. The second generation Pencil has no electrical connection with which to connect with your iPad.


If you are able to do so, you’ll need to return the second generation Pencil to your retailer - and exchange it for the compatible first generation model.



Will an update be released for the Apple Pencil 2nd gen to be used on iPad 7th gen?

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