I bought the Pencil very recently, for 149.-. I saw afterwards that Digitec/Galaxus are more expensive here than anyone else. But I have experienced so much goodwill and professionalism with purchases that I honestly don't care about paying more. But the question is justified, the price is definitely (surprisingly) higher and also 20.- above the price of Apple itself. They'll have to go over the books again. I recommend buying from Apple (incl. engraving) or wait until Black Friday.
According to Apple, the following devices are compatible:
12.9" iPad Pro (6th generation)
12.9" iPad Pro (5th generation)
12.9" iPad Pro (4th generation)
12.9" iPad Pro (3rd generation)
11" iPad Pro (4th generation)
11" iPad Pro (3rd generation)
11" iPad Pro (2nd generation)
11" iPad Pro (1st generation)
iPad Air (5th generation)
iPad Air (4th generation)
iPad mini (6th generation)
The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is not compatible with the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025) with M3 chip. The Apple Pencil Pro or the Apple Pencil (USB-C) are recommended for this model, as the Pencil (2nd generation) only works with older iPad models, but not with the 2024/2025 iPads such as the iPad Air M3 (11 inch).
As far as I know, they are only available from Apple directly. That means you have to order via Apple. In that sense, it's probably not completely free, because you then pay the list price.
https://www.apple.com/ch-de...
Costs CHF 139.- directly