Apple, the tech giant renowned for its innovative products, has introduced a more budget-friendly version of the Apple Pencil, and this time, it comes with a USB-C connector. The new Apple Pencil with USB Type-C, priced at $79, not only aims to make the acclaimed accessory more accessible to a wider audience but also brings several convenient features to the table.
One of the standout features of this affordable Apple Pencil is its sliding cap, which reveals the built-in USB-C port. This allows for easy and hassle-free charging, eliminating the need for a separate charging cable. The ability to attach magnetically to the side edge of an iPad, even including the 10th-generation model released last year, enhances the convenience of this accessory.
While the price reduction makes this Apple Pencil more accessible, it’s important to note that it doesn’t come with all the advanced features found in the first- and second-generation Apple Pencils. Notably, the device does not support pressure sensitivity, wireless pairing and charging, or the double-tap feature that allows users to quickly switch between tools. However, it is still compatible with hover functionality when used with M2 models of the iPad Pro.
This new Apple Pencil with a USB-C port addresses some of the complexities that users encountered with previous models. The first-generation Apple Pencil relied on a protruding Lightning connector for charging, which presented some inconveniences. The second-generation model offered wireless charging but wasn’t compatible with the 10th-generation iPad released last year, leading to a lack of compatibility options for users of that specific iPad model. With the introduction of the USB-C Apple Pencil, Apple aims to provide a versatile solution that can work with a range of iPads.
The compatibility of the USB-C Apple Pencil extends to various iPad models, including the third- to sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the first- to fourth-generation 11-inch iPad Pro, the fourth- and fifth-generation iPad Air, the 10th-gen iPad, and the sixth-gen iPad Mini. Users interested in this budget-friendly stylus can expect it to become available in early November.
The new USB-C Apple Pencil is a notable addition to Apple’s line of accessories. In 2018, Apple released the Apple Pencil 2, which brought significant enhancements over the original model. The second-generation Apple Pencil featured wireless charging, a magnetic attachment capability, and support for gesture controls. These improvements, however, came at an increased cost, with the Apple Pencil 2 priced at $129, representing a $30 uptick from its predecessor.
With the introduction of the more affordable USB-C Apple Pencil, Apple is ensuring that a broader user base can take advantage of the benefits of the stylus, opening up new possibilities for creativity and productivity on iPad devices. This latest addition aligns with Apple’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its customers.