IPad Air 2020: Apple Pencil Compatibility Explained

Oct 31, 2025 by Admin 52 views

Hey tech enthusiasts! Are you wondering about the iPad Air 2020 and its Apple Pencil compatibility? You've come to the right place! We're diving deep into everything you need to know about pairing your beloved iPad Air (4th generation) with the Apple Pencil. This guide will cover which Apple Pencil versions work, how to connect them, and some cool features you can unlock. So, grab your iPads and let's get started!

Which Apple Pencil Works with the iPad Air 2020?

So, here's the golden question: which Apple Pencil will actually work with your shiny new iPad Air 2020? The answer is the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). Yep, that's the one! Unfortunately, the original Apple Pencil (1st generation) isn’t compatible with this particular iPad model. This is super important to keep in mind if you're upgrading or buying a new pencil. The second-generation Apple Pencil boasts a sleek design, magnetic charging, and a whole host of cool features that pair perfectly with the iPad Air 2020. The iPad Air 2020 has a USB-C port for charging. So, if you were hoping to use the first generation Apple Pencil, you would be disappointed. The first-generation Apple Pencil requires a lightning connector, which isn't present in the iPad Air 2020. This is the first thing that you must consider if you are thinking about purchasing an Apple Pencil.

The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is more than just a stylus; it's a gateway to creativity and productivity. Its flat-edged design magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Air 2020 for charging and storage. That means no more fumbling with charging adapters or losing your pencil! It's always ready to go when you are. The second-generation Apple Pencil also supports double-tap gestures, allowing you to quickly switch between tools, erase, or perform other actions with a simple tap. The iPad Air 2020's seamless integration with the Apple Pencil opens up a world of possibilities. It is the perfect blend of power and portability, making it ideal for everything from note-taking and sketching to photo editing and professional design work. This means you can unleash your creativity without being bogged down by complicated setups or clunky accessories. Whether you're a student, a creative professional, or someone who simply enjoys doodling in their downtime, the iPad Air 2020 and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) are a match made in tech heaven. So, if you are looking for an upgrade, the second-generation pencil will be a great addition to your iPad Air 2020. Many users were very satisfied and happy to use it.

Why Only the Second Generation?

This is a good question! Apple designed the iPad Air 2020 with a focus on a modern, streamlined experience. The second-generation Apple Pencil's design complements this perfectly. The iPad Air 2020 features a magnetic charging and pairing system, which the first-generation Apple Pencil cannot utilize. This magnetic attachment is not only convenient for charging but also securely holds the pencil to the side of the iPad, preventing accidental loss. The second-generation Apple Pencil also has a more advanced set of features, such as double-tap gestures for quick tool changes. This enhanced functionality is integrated seamlessly into the iPad Air 2020's operating system, providing a more intuitive and efficient user experience. By opting for the second generation, Apple ensured a cohesive and high-performance experience, capitalizing on the latest technology available. The iPad Air 2020 is designed to work with the features that are built into the second-generation Apple Pencil. This makes the user experience smoother and much more enjoyable. The compatibility is the best choice for both the user and Apple as it guarantees the best experience. The choice guarantees that the features of both devices are combined for a superior experience, which is why the second generation is the best option for users of the iPad Air 2020.

How to Connect Your Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

Alright, let’s get your Apple Pencil (2nd generation) paired with your iPad Air 2020. It’s super easy, promise!

Magnetic Attachment: Simply attach your Apple Pencil to the right side of your iPad Air 2020. The magnetic connection will start the pairing process automatically. You will notice that the pencil will align itself on the side of the iPad and click into place. This also means that the pencil will start charging.
Bluetooth Prompt: A pairing prompt should pop up on your iPad's screen. Tap “Pair” to connect.
Ready to Go!: Once paired, your Apple Pencil is ready to use! You can start drawing, writing, and navigating your iPad with precision and ease. You can also view the battery percentage of your Apple Pencil on your iPad. Simply open the Today View on your iPad by swiping right on the home screen.

Troubleshooting Pairing Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If you run into any trouble pairing, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Restart Your iPad: A simple restart can often fix minor glitches. Turn off your iPad Air 2020, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
Check Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your iPad's settings. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure the switch is toggled to on. Sometimes, Bluetooth can turn off by accident.
Charge the Pencil: Ensure your Apple Pencil has enough battery. If it's completely drained, it might not pair. Attach it magnetically to the iPad to charge it for a few minutes.
Forget and Re-pair: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your Apple Pencil, tap the “i” icon, and select “Forget This Device.” Then, try pairing it again from scratch. It is best to forget and re-pair if there is an issue to make sure that there are no old configurations that are causing interference.
Update iPadOS: Ensure your iPad Air 2020 is running the latest version of iPadOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates. Keeping your iPadOS updated ensures compatibility and fixes any potential bugs that could affect pairing.

Cool Features to Explore

Once you have your Apple Pencil (2nd generation) connected to your iPad Air 2020, you can start exploring all the amazing features. The Apple Pencil is not just a stylus; it's a versatile tool that enhances productivity and creativity. You can do so many things with the pencil!

Double-Tap Gestures: Customize what happens when you double-tap the Apple Pencil. Go to Settings > Apple Pencil to choose between switching tools, switching between the current tool and eraser, or showing the color palette. This is a very useful feature that enables you to quickly switch between the eraser and the pen. This will significantly improve your workflow when you are using your pencil.
Scribble: Write directly in any text field with your Apple Pencil, and your writing will automatically convert to text. This is a game-changer for taking notes, filling out forms, or jotting down ideas. This will significantly improve the user experience for everyone.
Mark Up: Use the Apple Pencil to mark up screenshots, PDFs, and documents with ease. This is perfect for annotating documents, giving feedback, or highlighting important information.
Notes App: The Notes app is your new best friend! Use your Apple Pencil to sketch, draw, and write notes with incredible precision. There are many options and features in the Notes app that can help improve productivity.

Unleash Your Creativity

The combination of the iPad Air 2020 and the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) opens up a world of creative possibilities. Here are some apps and activities to get you started:

Procreate: This powerful drawing and painting app is a favorite among artists. Use your Apple Pencil to create stunning digital artwork with ease. Procreate has a ton of features and is also very easy to use. Beginners will love this app because of the simplicity and power of the features.
Adobe Fresco: Adobe Fresco is a free drawing and painting app that offers a realistic painting experience. It is very suitable for artists who want to create a painting that looks like a real painting. You can use the Apple Pencil to simulate the feel of real brushes and paints.
GoodNotes/Notability: These note-taking apps are perfect for students and professionals. Take handwritten notes, annotate documents, and organize your thoughts with ease. These apps will help you stay organized and keep track of your notes.
Sketching and Doodling: Simply open the Notes app or any other drawing app and let your imagination run wild! The iPad Air 2020 and Apple Pencil are perfect for sketching and doodling on the go. You can also use the Apple Pencil to practice your lettering skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the original Apple Pencil with the iPad Air 2020? No, the original Apple Pencil (1st generation) is not compatible. You need the Apple Pencil (2nd generation).
How do I charge the Apple Pencil (2nd generation)? Simply attach it magnetically to the side of your iPad Air 2020. It will start charging automatically.
What if my Apple Pencil won't connect? Try restarting your iPad, checking Bluetooth, and ensuring the pencil is charged. If that doesn't work, try forgetting and re-pairing the pencil.
Does the iPad Air 2020 come with an Apple Pencil? No, the Apple Pencil is sold separately.
What are the benefits of using an Apple Pencil? The Apple Pencil enhances creativity, productivity, and note-taking. It is great for artists, students, and professionals who want to improve their user experience.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! The iPad Air 2020 and the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) are a fantastic match. They offer a seamless and intuitive experience for anyone looking to create, learn, or simply have fun. If you're considering an iPad Air 2020, make sure to grab the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) to unlock its full potential. Happy creating! We hope that this article has helped you with all your questions. Go out there and start creating, sketching, and drawing! Have fun with your new Apple Pencil and iPad Air 2020! Enjoy your new experience!