Input · Retina & Beyond · 2015
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
The first Apple Pencil turned iPad Pro into a serious drawing and note-taking surface, even if charging it from the Lightning port looked wonderfully odd.
Apple’s first low-latency iPad stylus.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) (2018)
Apple Pencil (1st generation): key facts
When was the Apple Pencil (1st generation) released?
The Apple Pencil (1st generation) arrived in November 2015.
How much did the Apple Pencil (1st generation) cost?
The Apple Pencil (1st generation) launched at $99 in 2015, about $132 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Lightning charging / adapter.
Why does the Apple Pencil (1st generation) matter?
Apple’s first low-latency iPad stylus.
Full specifications
| CPU | — |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | — |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | Lightning charging / adapter |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | Round white stylus |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | November 2015 |
| Discontinued | — |
| Launch price | $99 |
How the Apple Pencil (1st generation) compares to today
Launched at $99 in 2015, about $132 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker.
Related Input models
Open the Apple Pencil (1st generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11