Can I use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with lightning adapter with a lightning to usb-c cable to iPad (11th gen)?

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Can I use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with lightning adapter with a lightning to usb-c cable to iPad (11th gen)?

Trying to connect Apple Pencil 1st gen through lightning adapter that came with the pencil and the lightning-usb-c cable I once received with my old iPhone. Is this possible? It does not seem to work. Am I doing something wrong? Will it work with a usb-c cable and the pencil usb-c adapter?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: can I connect apple pencil 1st gen with an iPad 11 2025 through the original pencil lightning adapter in combination with a lightning to usb-c cable?

iPad (10th generation)

Posted on Jun 26, 2025 11:50 AM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

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Jun 27, 2025 3:31 AM in response to Wessssss

I misunderstood - as your description seemed to suggest that you were using this Adapter that cannot be used with the Pencil:

USB-C to Lightning Adapter

https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MUQX3ZM/A

The first generation Pencil is charged and paired with compatible iPads that feature a USB-C port using the iPad charging cable - and an Apple USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter:

New first generation Pencils now ship with this special adapter in the box along with the Pencil. However, some older stock purchased from retailers may lack the USB-C to Lightning adapter - and may instead have an older Lightning to Lightning Adapter.

For owners of older first generation Pencils, or for “old stock” new Pencils, the new special adapter can be purchased directly from Apple as an accessory.

https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MQLU3ZM/A

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Answer 2

Jun 27, 2025 1:53 AM in response to Wessssss

Just to be clear, you can only use a first generation Apple Pencil with these iPad models:

iPad mini (5th generation)
iPad (6th, 7th, 8th and 9th generation)
iPad (A16)*
iPad (10th generation)*
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 9.7-inch

* USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter required with this iPad to pair and charge Apple Pencil

Any other models of iPad require a different Apple Pencil.

Apple does not promote or prompt incompatible product combinations. Where, precisely, have you seen misleading information?

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Answer 3

Wessssss Author

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10 points

Jun 27, 2025 3:18 AM in response to LotusPilot

Well, just yet I received a yesterday ordered usb-c to Lightning adapter for the Apple Pencil. This together with the usb-c cable provided with the iPad did the trick. So they are. As the ordering process in the Apple Store suggests compatible. So happy with that. What does however surprise me is that the original lightning-to-lightning adapter that came with the pencil in combination with an Apple lightning-to-usb-c cable does not do the trick while it is exactly the same principle. This basically means that Apple products are not always exchangeable between Apple devices. It nonetheless my issue is for an additional cost solved.

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Answer 4

Wessssss Author

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Jun 27, 2025 3:40 AM in response to LotusPilot

Exactly, but I also expected the old adapter to work with a usb-c-to-lightning adapter which I already had purchased some time ago. This does not work (while the principle should be the same). So the new adapter is mandatory for an old lightning pencil

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Answer 5

Jun 26, 2025 2:52 PM in response to Wessssss

Unfortunately not. An unsupported model of Apple Pencil cannot be made compatible using a USB-C to Lightning Adapter.

Here is Apple’s definitive compatibility list for Apple Pencil and iPad:

Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support

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Answer 6

Wessssss Author

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10 points

Jun 27, 2025 1:07 AM in response to LotusPilot

if They are not compatible, why is the Apple Pencil 1st gen then an option to buy together with this iPad in the Apple Store? Is Apple purposefully then promoting the customer to buy incompatible product combinations?

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