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 Pencil (1st generation): key facts

When was the Apple Pencil (1st generation) released?

The Apple Pencil (1st generation) was released 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 are the Apple Pencil (1st generation)’s specs?

The Apple Pencil (1st generation) used a N/A, with None of memory. It ran Driver / firmware support.

Why does the Apple Pencil (1st generation) matter?

Apple’s first low-latency iPad stylus.

Full specifications

CPUN/A
Cores
Memory (RAM)None
Storage
DisplayNone
GPUN/A
PortsLightning charging / adapter
WeightVaries by model
DimensionsRound white stylus
Operating systemDriver / firmware support
ReleasedNovember 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).

Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.

Did you know?

It is the kind of model collectors use to map Apple’s complicated family tree.

Related Input models

Open the Apple Pencil (1st generation) in the interactive archive →

Last updated: 2026-06-27