Apple on Tuesday announced its third-generation Apple Pencil for iPad, the new unit arriving with a matte finish, a hidden, USB-C charging port, and a lower price point of $79.
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.
The new Apple Pencil lacks magnetic wireless charging and pairing support. Instead, it features a hidden USB-C port underneath the cap that can be used to pair and charge it. The unit 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.Double-tap to change tools: Apple Pencil (2nd generation) only
Pressure sensitivity: Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) onlyWireless 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).
The current Apple Pencil price points are as follows:
- Apple Pencil (1st generation) – $99
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) – $79
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation) – $129
Apple has stated that the new Apple Pencil with USB-C will be available to order sometime in early November.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.