Apple recently unveiled a new lower-cost Apple Pencil, via press release. While the standout feature in this model is undoubtedly its USB-C connectivity, it boasts several other appealing features, such as extensive compatibility, a sleek design, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new budget-friendly Apple Pencil with USB-C
Design and charging
- The new model sports a sleek and familiar design reminiscent of the Apple Pencil 2.
- It maintains a similar weight to its predecessor but is approximately 7% shorter, making it even more compact and portable.
- The discreet USB-C port, concealed under a sliding cap, facilitates easy charging and pairing over a USB-C cable.
- This user-friendly design ensures a hassle-free experience for users across all iPad models with USB-C ports.
Compatibility
- The new lower-cost Apple Pencil offers extensive compatibility.
- It can seamlessly connect to all iPad models equipped with a USB-C port, making it a versatile tool for a broad range of users.
Magnetic attachment
- Like its predecessors, this new stylus attaches magnetically to compatible iPads.
- It’s essential to note that this model does not support wireless charging or wireless pairing, a trade-off for its budget-friendly price point.
Feature trade-offs
While the new Apple Pencil offers a fantastic drawing experience, it comes with some feature trade-offs compared to its higher-priced counterparts. Notably, it lacks pressure sensitivity on an iPad screen, the double-tap gesture for seamless tool switching, and the option for personal engraving at the time of purchase. However, for many users, these compromises may be worth it for the accessible pricing.
Hover feature
For those who own the latest iPad Pro models, released in October 2022, the new Apple Pencil offers support for the Apple Pencil hover feature. This feature allows users to hover the stylus over the display of their iPad to expand content, apps, widgets, etc.
Pricing
- In the United States, it is priced at $79 for the general public and a reduced cost of $69 for students. This makes it significantly more affordable than the first two generations of Apple Pencil, which remain available at $99 and $129, respectively.
Release date
Users interested in purchasing the budget-friendly Apple Pencil will not have to wait too long. It is set to launch in early November, although Apple has not yet provided a specific release date.
