Apple’s huge announcement at this time wasn’t a brand new iPad, it was a brand new stylus for the iPad. somewhat than changing both of the earlier ones, this goes on sale alongside them, so there at the moment are three Apple Pencils, and it’s going to be much more complicated for iPad house owners trying to purchase one for his or her pill.
Largely following the design of the 2018 Pencil (full with matte end and flat facet with magnetic attachment), the brand new stylus differs within the inclusion of a sliding cap which reveals the USB-C port for charging. Apparently, Apple isn’t referring to the brand new system as a Third-gen mannequin, however somewhat “the brand new Apple Pencil” or “Apple Pencil (USB-C),” maybe as a result of the corporate doesn’t need prospects to assume it’s extra superior than previous fashions. That is the vary because it now stands:
The most recent Apple Pencil, then, can also be the most cost effective. It even manages to undercut the 1st-gen mannequin, which is greater than eight years outdated, has distinct design flaws, and relies on a connection customary that stopped being added to new iPads in 2022. The explanation for that is the cut-down function set on the brand new Apple Pencil, which units it aside as a intentionally finances model of the product. It was rumored that Apple had a finances Pencil within the works, however the firm was thought to have deserted work on the undertaking greater than a yr in the past.
Usually, the lacking options are ones that have been introduced in with the 2nd-gen Pencil in 2018: the USB-C Pencil can not pair and cost wirelessly, for instance, though it does connect to the companion iPad magnetically, it doesn’t supply the double-tap management methodology to change instruments, and you’ll’t get it engraved.
However the one function the place the USB-C Pencil falls behind even the first-gen Pencil can also be its most notable omission. The brand new stylus doesn’t have strain sensitivity, the function whereby the opposite two fashions are capable of alter the stroke laid down relying on how onerous you press. That is what set the Apple Pencil other than rival merchandise, and it’s tempting to counsel that those that have an interest within the new Pencil would possibly do higher to simply purchase a third-party stylus, which is more likely to be cheaper nonetheless.
The brand new Apple Pencil will start delivery in early November and isn’t but accessible for preorder.
