User profile for user: yanyna
yanyna Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Apple Pencil (1st generation) not working with new iPad (A16 chip)

Hi everyone,


I recently bought a new iPad with the A16 chip and am having trouble using my Apple Pencil (1st generation).


My Apple Pencil works perfectly with my old iPad (9th generation), but it does not respond at all on the new iPad A16.


Here is what I have tried so far:


  • I am using the original Apple USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter.
  • The iPad detects the Apple Pencil and shows it as connected via Bluetooth.
  • The battery widget shows that the Apple Pencil is charging.
  • I forgot the device in Bluetooth settings, restarted the iPad, and paired the Pencil again.
  • I updated iPadOS to the latest version available on my device.
  • The Pencil still does not write or respond to touch on the new iPad.


Since the same Pencil works on my iPad 9th generation, I suspect an issue with the new iPad, its software, or the pairing process.


Has anyone experienced the same issue with an iPad (A16)? Is there a known fix?


Thank you!

iPad, iPadOS 27

Posted on Oct 19, 2026 10:54 AM

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2 replies
User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
331,624 points

Oct 20, 2026 3:26 PM in response to yanyna

See:

Pair Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support


The first generation Pencil is charged and paired from iPad (A16) using the iPad USB-C charging cable and the Adapter included with the Apple Pencil:

Pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation) with iPad - Apple Support


If you experience difficulties, here is one of the better troubleshooting guides:

https://appletoolbox.com/apple-pencil-not-working-heres-our-troubleshooting-guide/


Be aware that if your Pencil has been set-aside for an extended period, unused and uncharged, the Pencil battery may have been damaged through deep discharge. In common with all Li-ion batteries, they must always have some level of charge.


The tiny internal Li-ion battery is susceptible to permanent/irreversible damage through being left discharged for long periods. Even some “new” pencils can exhibit signs of failure out-of-the-box if they are “old stock”. 


It is essential that if you have an Apple Pencil that you charge it regularly - whether used or not - so as to protect the battery from deep-discharge. Do not allow a pencil to remain in low-charge state for any period of time - as the internal battery will fail, rendering the Pencil useless. Setting aside an unused Pencil, for extended periods, is a recipe for premature death of the Pencil battery.


If the Pencil Battery has failed, the only remedy is to replace the Pencil. If the battery has failed and your pencil is within its one-year warranty, you should look to having it replaced by your retailer or at an Apple Store.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Apple Pencil (1st generation) not working with new iPad (A16 chip)

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