The 2nd generation pencil is shaped slightly differently than the fist in that there is a flat side which allows the pencil to magnetically attach to the square frame of the new iPad Pro. Also, the end no longer comes off (and gets easily lost) because the new pencil charges on contact similarly to the way the watch charges by magnetically attaching to the charge cord. The 1st generation pencil does not work with the 11-inch iPad Pro or the 12.9 inch iPad Pro (3rd generation). They require using the new pencil.