Making comparisons: Apple details its new third-generation Apple Pencil

Apple has introduced a new model of its widespread Pencil peripheral for the iPad. Simply dubbed “Apple Pencil” but once more, it’s the least expensive choice to hold the title but.

The new Pencil is priced at $79; that is $20 cheaper than the first-generation Apple Pencil and $50 cheaper than the second technology. Apple says it would work with any iPad mannequin with a USB-C port.

In truth, the new Pencil has a USB-C port. That means you will use a USB-to-USB cable to cost it in your iPad, Mac, USB-C iPhone, charging brick, or no matter. The USB-C port is subtly hidden behind a sliding cap. This is a giant enchancment over the awkward “plug your Pencil into the iPad’s port” resolution of previous.

The new Pencil appears to co-exist in Apple’s on-line retailer alongside each older variations of the product.

It does not assist stress sensitivity, a key characteristic of the opposite two fashions. It can connect magnetically on its flat edge and helps hover previews just like the second-generation Pencil. However, it could possibly’t cost or pair wirelessly through that magnetic attachment like that mannequin can, and it does not assist the double-tap gesture.

The solely benefits the first-generation Pencil has over this newer, cheaper mannequin are stress sensitivity assist and a Lightning port for plugging into older iPads.

All advised, Apple’s Pencil lineup is now fairly complicated—particularly since all three merchandise are referred to as “Apple Pencil.” It will in all probability get easier if Apple finally drops the Lightning-equipped first-generation as assist for older iPads wanes sooner or later.

It’s good to see a less expensive choice within the lineup, although, since we have usually complained in our iPad critiques that equipment like this are too costly. This Pencil will probably be ok for lots of people.

Assuming you’ll be able to kind the mess of a lineup out, you’ll purchase the new Pencil someday in early November, in response to Apple’s announcement.

This announcement comes days after a plethora of rumors about new iPads and iPad peripherals. Some predicted that some modest iPad refreshes would occur right now, whereas others predicted a Pencil replace. That mentioned, this Pencil does not resemble the one described in these rumors, which mentioned it will have swappable ideas for various duties.

New iPads are nonetheless nowhere to be discovered, however they’re sure to reach finally. Don’t anticipate something greater than efficiency bumps till an eventual OLED iPad Pro replace, although.

Listing picture by Apple