Palm Rejection Ipad Air 2

Do the iPad Air models support pen input? Which iPad Air models? What pens are compatible? Is there a cheaper option than Apple's Pencil?

The current iPad Air 4 models -- the iPad Air 4th Gen (Wi-Fi Only), iPad Air 4th Gen (Wi-Fi+Cell US/CA), iPad Air 4th Gen (Wi-Fi+Cell Global), and iPad Air 4th Gen (Wi-Fi+Cell China) -- support the newest Apple Pencil 2 (A2051, MU8F2AM/A) that charges conveniently via a magnet connection on the side of the tablet.

The now discontinued iPad Air 3 models -- the iPad Air 3 (Wi-Fi Only), iPad Air 3 (Wi-Fi+Cellular US/CA/AU/NZ), iPad Air 3 (Wi-Fi+Cellular Global), and iPad Air 3 (Wi-Fi+Cellular China) -- are compatible with the original Apple Pencil (A1603, MK0C2AM/A). The original Apple Pencil charges via Lightning Port.

Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil 2
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Original Apple Pencil)

The earlier original iPad and iPad Air 2 models do not support either Apple Pencil.

Best Third-Party iPad Air Pens

For those with an iPad Air 4, Everyi.com definitely recommends that you buy the excellent Apple Pencil 2. For the iPad Air 3, the original Apple Pencil likely is the best choice, even it charges quite awkwardly. However, for those with an original iPad Air or iPad Air 2, solid third-party options are available.

Based on personal use, our preferred third-party pen is the Wacom Bamboo Fineline. Although it is getting more difficult to find and it can be a bit flaky from time-to-time (sometimes requiring a reset), it connects via Bluetooth and supports pressure sensitivity and palm rejection in a number of compatible graphic design and note-taking apps. It generally works well with any iPad Air with iOS 8 or newer installed.

Wacom Bamboo Fineline
Photo Credit: Wacom, Inc. (Bamboo Fineline)

If you're on a tight budget, you might prefer an inexpensive option like the XIRON Stylus Pen or Moko Universal Active Stylus. These simple pens do not pair via Bluetooth and do not support pressure sensitivity or palm rejection, but can work well enough as a pen with the original iPad Air and iPad Air 2.

Inexpensive iPad Air Pens
Photo Credit: XIRON (Left), Moko (Right)

Although these pens from XIRON and Moko are not as precise or refined as the Apple or Wacom options, they are well-reviewed and can be a good option for someone with reasonable expectations.

Choosing the Best iPad Air Compatible Pen for You

Ultimately, the Apple Pencil 2 is the best choice for the iPad Air 4 and the original Apple Pencil is the best choice for the iPad Air 3. We would suggest the Wacom Bamboo Fineline for the original iPad Air or iPad Air 2. However, if you have a modest budget and expectations, the inexpensive XIRON and Moko pens may meet your needs, also.

Apple Authorized site sponsor Adorama sells the original Apple Pencil that is compatible with the iPad Air 3 as well as the Apple Pencil 2 that is compatible with the iPad Air 4.

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