Apple Pencil Pro at $95 is a surprising bargain on Black Friday

Three white stylus
(Image credit: Apple)

Hunting down a decent Apple Pencil deal can feel like a thankless task as the one you really want is rarely discounted, but the one that's usually overpriced is now, just in reach. And so we have no Apple Pencil 2nd Gen discounts (unless you go 'open box'), but the newer Apple Pencil Pro at $94.99 has suddenly become the sensible pick at its current sale price.

With Apple Pencil Pro at this discount, you get the full creative toolset of squeeze gestures, haptics and that slick magnetic pairing, without paying Apple’s usual premium. The Apple Pencil USB-C at $69 is still the budget choice, but its stripped-back features mean it’s really for casual sketchers and note-takers rather than artists who live in Procreate. Put bluntly, it won't get the most from a modern iPad.

If you’re bargain-minded, it’s also worth digging into refurbished and open-box listings on Amazon and Walmart. These can shave a surprising amount off the asking price, but go in eyes open; quality varies, and not every retailer plays by transparent rules.

Apple Pencil deals: US

Apple  Pencil Pro
Save $34.01
Apple Pencil Pro: was $129 now $94.99 at Best Buy

At $94.99, this deal matches the lowest new price of the year, saving $34 off the regular price. The Apple Pencil Pro is ideal for digital art, and for anyone who wants squeeze gestures, haptic feedback, as well as tilt and pressure sensitivity without paying full price.

Apple Pencil 2nd Gen (open box)
Save $66
Apple Pencil 2nd Gen (open box): was $129 now $63 at Walmart

Apple’s second-gen Pencil normally lists at $129, and deals are oddly scarce this Black Friday. But this renewed model does come with a large 51% off. It offers double-tap tool switching, pressure sensitivity, and magnetic wireless charging.

Walmart's 'open box' is essentially second-hand; boxes can be damaged and opened, but they guarantee the contents are in good nick, often unused.

Apple Pencil USB-C
Save $10
Apple Pencil USB-C: was $79 now $69 at Amazon

Amazon has $10 off the Apple Pencil (USB-C). This is an older stylus, but affordable and handy if you want USB-C convenience, hover support on newer iPads, and magnetic attachment without paying full price. Personally, I'd pay $5 more to get the 2nd Gen Pencil (above).

Apple Pencil deals: UK

Apple  Pencil Pro
Save £30
Apple Pencil Pro: was £129 now £99 at Amazon

This is the current peak of Apple tech; the new Pencil Pro offers full features such as squeeze tool palette, barrel-roll rotation, haptic feedback, pressure/tilt sensing and magnetic pairing/charging to make using iPad feel more intuitive. Many new app updates, like Procreate 5.4, are designed around these features. It works with iPad Pro, Air and Mini, but check models.

Apple  Pencil USB-C
Save £20
Apple Pencil USB-C: was £79 now £59 at Amazon

This is a tidy saving. That price makes the USB-C Pencil the best value Apple Pencil for casual sketching, note-taking, and quick pairing with modern iPads. Ideal if you want USB-C compatibility on a budget.

Apple Pencil deals: frequent questions

Which Apple Pencil is best for me and my iPad?

Check your iPad model first: the 1st Gen Apple Pencil works with older Lightning iPads, the 2nd Gen fits iPad Pro and iPad Air (2018+), and the USB-C Pencil is compatible with newer iPads with USB-C. Choosing the wrong one means it simply won’t pair.

Apple Pencil Pro only works with M4 and M5 iPad Pro models, M2 and M3 iPad Air models, and the A17 Pro iPad mini.

Is Apple Pencil Pro worth its price?

Yes, if you want advanced features like haptic feedback, squeeze gestures, and improved tilt/pressure sensitivity. Black Friday deals have made the Pro much closer in price to the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, making it a smart upgrade for serious artists.

Are Black Friday Apple Pencil deals real savings?

Some are genuine, especially on Apple Pencil Pro through Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart. Refurbished and open-box deals on 2nd Gen Apple Pencil can save extra but always read seller reviews and check return policies before buying.

Are refurbished Apple Pencil deals worthwhile?

Refurbished units can be an excellent value option, often certified by the retailer and/or Apple and include a limited warranty. Avoid unknown third-party sellers and confirm compatibility with your iPad before purchase and check the returns policy on these deals.

What should I be wary of in Black Friday deals?

There are some general things to consider when buying during Black Friday, these are:

• Confirm the model and compatibility.

• Compare new versus open-box and refurbished pricing.

• Check for extra accessories included (tips, cables, and adapters).

• Read return policies; some deals may be final sale.

Ian Dean
Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.

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