Apple’s large announcement as we speak wasn’t a brand new iPad, it was a brand new stylus for the iPad. relatively 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 homeowners 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 just isn’t referring to the brand new gadget as a Third-gen mannequin, however relatively “the brand new Apple Pencil” or “Apple Pencil (USB-C),” maybe as a result of the corporate doesn’t need clients to assume it’s extra superior than previous fashions. That is the vary because it now stands:
The latest Apple Pencil, then, can be the most cost effective. It even manages to undercut the 1st-gen mannequin, which is greater than eight years previous, has distinct design flaws, and is predicated 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 mission greater than a yr in the past.
Generally, the lacking options are ones that have been introduced in with the 2nd-gen Pencil in 2018: the USB-C Pencil can’t pair and cost wirelessly, for instance, despite the fact that it does connect to the companion iPad magnetically, it doesn’t supply the double-tap management methodology to modify instruments, and you may’t get it engraved.
However the one function the place the USB-C Pencil falls behind even the first-gen Pencil can be its most notable omission. The brand new stylus doesn’t have stress sensitivity, the function whereby the opposite two fashions are in a position to alter the stroke laid down relying on how onerous you press. That is what set the Apple Pencil aside from rival merchandise, and it’s tempting to recommend 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 transport in early November and isn’t but obtainable for preorder.