Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Apple › Stylus Pens
Apple
Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

4.4(4,885 ratings)

Best price now

$97.99at StaplesObserved at 1:33 AM

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Visit Staples

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

Our take on the Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

The first-generation Apple Pencil is a white plastic stylus for older iPads, with pressure and tilt sensitivity for drawing and handwriting. It pairs over Bluetooth and charges by plugging its Lightning connector into the iPad. At $97.99 at Staples as of November 8, 2026, it sits near the low end of its usual $95 to $130 range.

Best forOwners of Lightning-port iPadsStudents taking handwritten notesArtists sketching on a budgetBuyers replacing a lost Pencil
Pros
  • Pressure and tilt sensitivity for shading and line weight
  • Low latency, feels close to pen on paper
  • Pairs quickly over Bluetooth
  • Charges from the iPad's Lightning port, no cable needed
  • Widely available and often discounted
Cons
  • Only fits iPads with Lightning, not USB-C models
  • Charging by sticking out of the iPad port looks awkward and risks damage
  • No magnetic attachment or wireless charging
  • No double-tap or squeeze gestures
  • Smooth plastic barrel can feel slippery

Apple Pencil (1st Generation) prices at every store

  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $97.99Free shippingObserved at 1:33 AM
    Visit Staples
  • QuillNew

    Out of stock

    $94.69Free shippingObserved at 1:33 AM
    Visit Quill

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Apple Pencil (1st Generation) price history

Lowest price we've seen: $94.69 on Nov 8 at Quill. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 8.

What reviewers say

  • 4.4 / 54,885 ratings

Owners rate it highly for accuracy and reliability, especially for note-taking and sketching. The most common complaints are the plug-in charging design and the lack of magnetic storage.

What people mention
  • AccuracyPraisedOwners say lines land where the tip touches and pressure changes feel natural.
  • ChargingCriticisedPlugging the Pencil into the iPad port to charge is called clumsy and easy to bump.
  • CompatibilityMixedBuyers like that it works with older iPads but note it does not fit USB-C models.
  • BuildMixedThe plastic body is seen as durable but slippery and without a magnetic hold.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report long standby time and quick top-ups from the iPad.

About the Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

The Apple Pencil (1st Generation) provides accurate drawing and note-taking with pressure sensitivity and a smooth connection to compatible iPads for creative activities.

Specifications

Fits Product
TabletSource
Bluetooth
YesSource
Color
WhiteSource
Material
PlasticSource

Questions and answers

Which iPads does the first-generation Apple Pencil work with?
It works with iPads that have a Lightning port, including the iPad Pro 9.7, 10.5 and 12.9 (first and second generation), iPad 6th to 9th generation, iPad Air 3rd generation and iPad mini 5th generation. It does not work with USB-C iPads.
How does it charge?
You remove the cap and plug the Lightning connector into the iPad's charging port. A full charge takes about 15 minutes and lasts around 12 hours of use.
Is it worth it over a cheaper third-party stylus?
If you want pressure and tilt sensitivity and palm rejection on a compatible iPad, it is the only stylus that gives the full Apple experience. Cheaper styluses usually lack pressure sensitivity.
Does it come with a spare tip?
Yes, the box includes the Pencil and one spare tip. Replacement tips are sold separately.
Is $97.99 a good price?
It is close to the lowest price seen recently, with the Pencil usually selling between $95 and $130. At $97.99 at Staples as of November 8, 2026, it is a solid buy if you need one now.
Can I use it with an iPad case on?
Yes, as long as the case does not cover the Lightning port when charging. Most cases leave the port open.
Where is the Apple Pencil (1st Generation) cheapest?
At Staples, for $97.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Apple Pencil (1st Generation)?
Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 4,885 ratings.
Where can I buy the Apple Pencil (1st Generation)?
2 stores we checked sell it, including Quill, Staples.

Stores we've priced the Apple Pencil (1st Generation) at

  • staples.com deals and prices

More from Apple

  • A
    APPLE M1
    APPLE M1
  • A
    Apple AirPods Pro 3
    Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • A
    Apple AirPods Max
    Apple AirPods Max
  • A
    Apple AirPods Max 2
    Apple AirPods Max 2
  • A
    Apple AirPods Pro 2
    Apple AirPods Pro 2
  • A
    Apple 9.7-inch iPad Wi-Fi - 6th generation - 128 GB
    Apple 9.7-inch iPad Wi-Fi - 6th generation - 128 GB
  • A
    Apple EarPods
    Apple EarPods
  • A
    Apple MacBook Pro M3 CPU
    Apple MacBook Pro M3 CPU
All Apple deals and products →