Apple offers a budget-friendly alternative with its latest Apple Pencil, featuring USB-C compatibility.
In a move that has been highly anticipated by tech enthusiasts and Apple aficionados, the tech giant has unveiled a new addition to its Apple Pencil lineup. Apple, known for its innovation and user-friendly devices, has launched the new Apple Pencil with USB-C compatibility. Before you jump to label it as the Apple Pencil 3rd generation, it’s worth noting that this iteration doesn’t bring groundbreaking new features to the table. Instead, it offers a more cost-effective option, making the Apple Pencil experience accessible to a wider audience.
The Apple Pencil (USB-C): Affordable Pricing, Fewer Features
Maintaining the sleek design and matte finish that’s characteristic of its predecessor, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) comes with an attractive starting price of $79, a significant drop from the $129 price tag of the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. Despite the cost reduction, it retains essential features like high precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, attributes shared with the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils.
Apple Pencil USB-C port
One of the standout features is the inclusion of a concealed USB-C port, cleverly hidden beneath the cap of the Pencil. Charging the new, more affordable Apple Pencil is a breeze, as it is compatible with all iPad models equipped with USB-C ports, such as the iPad 10th generation, iPad Air 4th and 5th generation, and iPad Pro models. It’s important to note that the USB-C port is the exclusive method for charging the Apple Pencil (USB-C), distinguishing it from the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which charges when magnetically attached to an iPad.
When the new Apple Pencil is attached magnetically to an iPad, it seamlessly enters sleep mode.
This latest offering is not only limited to iPads. With USB-C ports now standard on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, these devices can also be used to charge the new Apple Pencil.
However, to make it more budget-friendly, the new Apple Pencil (USB-C) has sacrificed certain features found in its predecessors, including pressure sensitivity, wireless pairing and charging, and the double-tap feature often utilized for switching tools in creative applications. Surprisingly, Apple no longer offers free engraving for the new Apple Pencil.
Given the absence of certain advanced features, it’s reasonable to assume that the new Apple Pencil (USB-C) is targeted toward non-creative users. It serves as an economical option for those who seek the Apple Pencil experience on supported iPad models.
In addition to the new Apple Pencil, Apple has introduced a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter priced at $9. This accessory caters to users of the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which relies on a Lightning charging port.
The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is expected to hit the market in early November, offering affordability and accessibility to a wider audience of Apple device users.
