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Even if you have an old iPad, you may still be able to use a stylus. Some older models are not compatible with Bluetooth styluses. Still, there are plenty of useful services that can help you overcome these challenges.
The first iPad was introduced in 2010. At the time, these tablets were not necessarily designed for styluses. However, in 2015 Apple introduced its Bluetooth stylus.
Continue to learn more about which iPads are compatible with modern styluses and what you can do to enhance your experience if you do have an early-generation iPad.
1. The First iPad Was Introduced In 2010
The first generation iPad was introduced in 2010. It came with a 9.7 -inch touchscreen. Every iPad can be controlled by a stylus, even the old ones.
Although some styluses may not be compatible with the oldest tablets. There’s still a lot you can do with these old iPads, so don’t neglect them yet. They come in handy, even if you’re looking for a good tablet for drawing and design.
2. Bluetooth Styluses May Not Be Compatible With Your Old iPad
There’s a good possibility that your Apple Pencil or other Bluetooth stylus is not compatible with your old iPad.
The Apple Pencil is compatible with:
- iPad Mini: 6th generation and later
- iPad Air: 4th generation and later
- iPad Pro 12.9”: 3rd generation and later
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 1st generation and later
What’s so special about Bluetooth styluses? They make it much easier to draw and edit and customize your paintbrush. You can still do pretty well without having one though, as you’ll see later in this article.
3. Steve Jobs Hated Styluses
The early iPads were unfortunately not necessarily designed for styluses. Steve Jobs hated styluses. However, as time went on, the stylus became a much-desired tool for note-taking.
To that end, Apple first introduced the Pencil in 2015. With the Apple Pencil, users can enjoy benefits such as pressure sensitivity, tilt control, and pixel-perfect accuracy.
4. Adonit Pixel – A Fine Point Stylus For Older iPads
Finding a fine-point stylus for older iPads can be a challenge. The Adonit Pixel offers users of older gen tablets an opportunity to enjoy many of the benefits of new styluses.
If you desire simplified note-taking and illustration and you have an older iPad, it’s hard to beat.
5. Make Your Life Easier With Online Design Templates
You can easily import design templates and mock-ups through an online database. This comes in handy if your older iPad is what seems to be holding your creativity back.
One good site for this is Placeit.net. This website has over 85k copyright-free graphics available for download. A monthly subscription unlocks access to everything. You can also try the service out for free anytime.
This is a resource that also comes in handy for anybody who uses their iPad to view and edit PowerPoint presentations. PlaceIt has hundreds of nifty slide templates available to subscribers.
6. The Third Generation iPad Had 4 Times More Pixels Versus The First Generation
Long lines of crowds awaited the retail release of the 3rd generation iPad in 2012. It had 4 times the pixels versus the first generation. It also boasted a much faster processor.
For those on the market for a used iPad, the third generation and later editions would be a good starting point. You can buy refurbished versions of even more recent versions for a reasonable price, such as this 2017 iPad.
7. You Can Save Money On An Old iPad With A Trade-In
Is the sticker price of a new iPad holding you back? You might consider taking advantage of Apple’s old product trade-in program. Consumers can qualify by disposing of old electronics responsibly.
For iPads, the max estimated trade-in value is up to $195. For the mini iPad, that number goes up to $245. Even if your tablet is not reusable, Apple will still recycle it for you for free.
To begin, you can either mail your old iPad in or visit a local Apple store. For more details, please click here.
8. Weighted Styluses- For Those With Shaky Hands
For those with tremors or shaky hands, it can be a real challenge to type on a phone or computer. Don’t let these conditions keep you from communicating with the ones you love. You can perform tasks such as scrolling through your favorite recipes with a weighted stylus.
Not only are there weighted styluses. Some models come with special grips for those suffering from arthritis and other mobility impairments. One of the best such products on the market is the Cosmonaut Wide-Grip Stylus.
9. How Placeit Improves Your Social Media Experience On Old iPads
Here’s the thing, even new iPads still don’t have an Instagram app tailor-made for the tablet experience. If you are looking for a leg-up in the social media experience, then even the older iPads are not too outdated in this regard.
You can design your own Pinterest pins, design your own Instagram filters, and much more on Placeit. You can then import your designs easily to the iPad, which has much more storage space than a phone.
No need to worry about using a stylus for editing and no need to spring for a new iPad. It’s much easier to create on a laptop or desktop anyways.
10. How To Connect Your Apple Pencil To Your iPad
If you do have an iPad that is compatible with the Apple Pencil (or other Bluetooth Stylus), you may be wondering how to connect it.
Here’s how to connect that stylus to the iPad:
- Specific instructions vary depending upon the model.
- Typically, you’ll want to make sure that your Bluetooth connection is enabled
- Go to the Bluetooth settings on your iPad, the stylus should show up as one of the pairing options.
For more specific Apple Pencil connectivity instructions, click here.
Final Thoughts
Steve Jobs hated the idea that an iPad would need a stylus. For this reason, most early gen models are not very compatible with styluses. If you do need one, the Adonit Pixel is one of the best fine-point options.
