To charge your Apple Pencil (1st generation) with your iPad (10th generation), you need to use the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter and the USB-C charge cable that came with your iPad.
Understanding the Charging Process
Unlike previous iPad models with a Lightning port that the 1st Gen Apple Pencil could plug directly into, the iPad (10th generation) features a USB-C port. Since the Apple Pencil (1st generation) has a Lightning connector, a specific adapter is required to bridge this connection for both pairing and charging.
The USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter acts as the link, allowing the Lightning connector of the Apple Pencil to connect to the USB-C port of the iPad 10 via a standard USB-C cable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Charging
Charging your Apple Pencil (1st generation) with the iPad (10th generation) involves a few simple steps using the necessary accessories.
Here is the breakdown:
- Remove the cap from your Apple Pencil (1st generation) to expose the Lightning connector.
- Plug Apple Pencil into the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. The Lightning connector of the pencil goes into the adapter.
- Connect the other end of the adapter (which has a USB-C port) to your iPad. You will use the USB-C charge cable that came with your iPad for this connection. One end of the cable plugs into the adapter, and the other end plugs into the USB-C port on your iPad.
Once connected correctly, your Apple Pencil will begin charging via the iPad.
Required Items
- Apple Pencil (1st generation)
- iPad (10th generation)
- USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter (Often sold separately or included with newer Apple Pencil Gen 1 purchases)
- USB-C charge cable (Included with your iPad 10)
Why the Adapter is Essential
The fundamental reason the adapter is necessary is the difference in port types. The Apple Pencil (1st generation) was designed to connect directly to the Lightning port found on older iPads. The iPad (10th generation) transitioned to the more universal USB-C standard. The adapter is the required bridge to make these two different connector types compatible for both pairing and charging.
Checking the Charge Level
While connected, you can check the charge status of your Apple Pencil on your iPad 10. You can typically do this by adding the Batteries widget to your iPad's Home Screen or Today View.
