Apple is out with a new version of Apple Pencil for iPad users today, coming in at a lower-cost price point of $79. The new Apple Pencil features a matte finish, a hidden USB-C charging port, and more. It will be available to order starting in early November.
The new $79 Apple Pencil joins the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Apple Pencil (1st generation) as a more affordable alternative. In terms of design, the new Apple Pencil features a matte finish similar to the second-generation model and an indented edge for improved ergonomics.
One key difference with the new Apple Pencil (USB-C) is that it lacks magnetic wireless charging and pairing support. Instead, there’s a hidden USB-C port underneath the cap that you use to pair and charge it. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) can be magnetically attached to the side of an iPad for storage, but it does not charge or pair via this connection.
Other features include:
- Pixel-perfect precision: Write, sketch, and draw with precision
- Low latency: Feels as natural and responsive as using a pencil on paper.
- Tilt sensitivity: Tilt Apple Pencil for shading and other effects.
- Apple Pencil Hover on iPad Pro models with the M2 chip: Preview your mark before you make it.
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C) only
It lacks a handful of the features available on other Apple Pencil models:
- Double-tap to change tools: Apple Pencil (2nd generation) only
- Pressure sensitivity: Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) only
- Wireless pairing and charging: Apple Pencil (2nd generation) only
Some details on compatibility:
- The new Apple Pencil is compatible with all iPad models with a USB-C port, including iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generations), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generations), and iPad mini (6th generation).
So with today’s introduction, here’s the current state of the Apple Pencil market:
- Apple Pencil (1st generation) – $99
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) – $79
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation) – $129
Presumably, the primary motivation behind releasing this new Apple Pencil (USB-C) is that it can work with the base model iPad without an adapter. Previously, the base model iPad was only compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation), which uses a Lightning port to charge, with a Lightning to USB-C dongle.
The new Apple Pencil with USB-C will be available to order sometime in early November, Apple says.
Confusing? Yes.
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