Which iPad models in 2025 offer the best Apple Pencil experience for Procreate?
Executive summary
The best Apple Pencil experience for Procreate in 2025 tracks to iPads that support the Apple Pencil Pro (M‑series iPad Pro and newer M/M‑class iPad Air/Mini models) for its squeeze, double‑tap and haptic features, with the iPad Pro M5 (13") and M4 (11"/13") singled out as top devices for pros (creativebloq, CreativeBloq) [1] [2]. Budget choices like the A16 iPad / “iPad 11th gen” and iPad Mini 7 work well with older Apple Pencil models and give solid Procreate performance for less money, but they lack the Pro’s newest gestures and some hover benefits [3] [4] [5].
1. Best‑in‑class: iPad Pro with Apple Pencil Pro — the professional canvas
If your priority is the most advanced Pencil features in Procreate — squeeze gestures, enhanced double‑tap, haptic feedback and the fullest hover and latency benefits — reviewers place the newest iPad Pro models at the top, notably the M5 13" and M4 Pro lines; CreativeBloq calls the 13" M5 the "best pen computer" and Creative reviews show Pro models provide the premium screen, performance and Pencil Pro feature set artists want [2] [1]. Apple and tech press note the Apple Pencil Pro introduces squeeze and haptics that Procreate leverages for contextual menus and precision actions, making workflow faster for professionals [6].
2. Best value for most artists: iPad Air M3 / M2 family with Apple Pencil Pro support
For many illustrators the M3/M2 iPad Air models deliver near‑Pro performance at lower cost while supporting Apple Pencil Pro features such as hover and squeeze on compatible tablets, so they hit a strong value point: CreativeBloq and other reviewers recommend M‑class Air models as top choices for hobbyists and pros who don’t need the largest canvas but do want Procreate’s advanced tools [2] [5]. Art Side of Life and Brooke Glaser’s guides emphasize M‑class Airs as “best value” devices because they expand layers and performance without the Pro’s top price [5] [7].
3. Budget pick: iPad A16 / iPad 11th gen and iPad Mini 7 — excellent for Procreate, limited Pencil features
If cost matters, the A16‑based iPad (marketed as the iPad 11th gen in some coverage) and the iPad Mini 7 are named as the best budget/new‑entry options for Procreate, offering good screens, the A16 chip for smoother performance, and compatibility with earlier Apple Pencil models — but they’re not compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and therefore miss squeeze/haptic extras [3] [4] [5]. Reviewers stress these devices still run Procreate well, provide usable layer counts, and are the smartest choice for students or mobile sketching where Pro features aren’t essential [3] [4].
4. Compatibility complexity: four Pencil models and fragmented support
Apple’s Pencil lineup has expanded and compatibility remains fragmented: multiple Apple Pencil models exist and which gestures/features you get depends on your iPad model — Digital Trends calls this "still complicated" in 2025 — and AppleInsider outlines that only newer high‑end iPads support Pencil Pro’s newest capabilities [8] [6]. Simply put: owning a recent iPad Pro or compatible M‑class Air/Mini unlocks the fullest Procreate Pencil features; cheaper iPads retain basic pressure/tilt/hover where supported but miss Pro‑exclusive functions [6] [8].
5. Procreate features tied to hardware — hover, layers and latency matter
Procreate itself ties advanced features to capable hardware: hover works only on iPads with required screen tech, and canvas/layer limits scale with device capability; Procreate’s help docs and reviewers advise using iPadOS updates and M‑series devices for maximum layers and the newest Procreate functions [9] [2]. Tests cited by Craft/others report latency under 9 ms on M‑series iPads and consistent pressure/tilt across Pencil models, but the Pro’s extra gestures and haptics remain the differentiator for workflow speed [10] [6].
6. Practical recommendation and tradeoffs for buyers
If you are a professional illustrator or animator who relies on Procreate shortcuts and the fastest, most tactile Pencil interactions — buy an iPad Pro M4/M5 or a compatible M‑class iPad that supports Apple Pencil Pro to get squeeze, haptics and full hover support [2] [6]. If you’re learning, on a budget, or want a second, portable sketch device, the A16 iPad / iPad 11th gen or iPad Mini 7 deliver excellent drawing capability with older Pencil models at a far lower price [3] [4] [5].
Limitations: reporting above is based on the supplied reviews and manufacturer compatibility guides; specifics such as exact latency numbers per model, precise layer counts per canvas size, and Apple’s most recent compatibility lists beyond these sources are "not found in current reporting" here and should be checked on Apple/Procreate pages before purchase [9] [6].