Hi,
My iPad continues to chug along, so I'm thinking of getting a stylus for it. Apple Pencil does not work on it. Are there any models from other manufacturers I could consider?
iPad Pro (5th generation)
The iPad5 fundamentally does not support Apple Pencil - as it lacks the specific screen hardware with which the Apple Pencil interacts with the iPad screen. For information, here is Apple’s definitive compatibility list for Apple Pencil and iPad:
Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support
There are third-party Bluetooth Stylus’ available which offer limited support for iPad - perhaps the better known being those manufactured by Adonit:
Bluetooth Stylus’ are fully reliant upon support being explicitly provided by third-party Apps - and if only for this reason, support is very limited - as will be the usefulness of a Bluetooth Stylus.
The remaining alternative is a Capacitive Stylus. Be aware that a basic capacitive stylus offers no more capability or function than a fingertip - although for fine-tipped examples may offer slightly greater precision.
If you have need for an Apple Pencil, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad5 with a much newer model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - it supports Apple Pencil, is compatible with iPadOS 17.x and current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.
The iPad5 fundamentally does not support Apple Pencil - as it lacks the specific screen hardware with which the Apple Pencil interacts with the iPad screen. For information, here is Apple’s definitive compatibility list for Apple Pencil and iPad:
Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support
There are third-party Bluetooth Stylus’ available which offer limited support for iPad - perhaps the better known being those manufactured by Adonit:
Bluetooth Stylus’ are fully reliant upon support being explicitly provided by third-party Apps - and if only for this reason, support is very limited - as will be the usefulness of a Bluetooth Stylus.
The remaining alternative is a Capacitive Stylus. Be aware that a basic capacitive stylus offers no more capability or function than a fingertip - although for fine-tipped examples may offer slightly greater precision.
If you have need for an Apple Pencil, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad5 with a much newer model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - it supports Apple Pencil, is compatible with iPadOS 17.x and current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.
Thanks for the answer @LotusPilot. The conclusion here (and based on the specs provided on the Adonit website) seems to be that there are no other options besides the rubber-tip pens (what I believe you call a "capacitive stylus") you can get as freebies, and I'm looking to step up from those.
I'll revisit this once I do upgrade to a new iPad.
iPad 5th generation - what styluses work with it
