The new Apple Pencil with USB-C is official. Those from Cupertino have just announced the third version of the accessory for the iPad, which can now be paired and recharged using a USB-C cable. At the top end, it has a sliding cover that reveals the port in question. This means that the pen is compatible with all iPad models with USB-C.
In this way, those on the block seek to end one of the most important controversies they have had during the last year. Apple was heavily criticized after launching the 10th generation iPad for the controversial decision to keep it tied to the Apple Pencil with Lightning connector, when the tablet had been updated to USB-C. This forced users to use an adapter to recharge it, causing quite a bit of annoyance.
With the new version of the Apple Pencil, which Apple has decided not to classify as “third generation” but simply as “Apple Pencil with USB-C”, those from Cupertino intend to put an end to the matter. This variant will coexist with the first and second generation models that are already on the market.
A new Apple Pencil with USB-C port
Rumors that Apple would launch a new Apple Pencil had gained a lot of strength in recent hours, although they were not as accurate as believed. As we already said, it is not the successor of the second generation model, but rather a kind of intermediate solution which seeks to remedy the fiasco of the tenth generation iPad tied to the original Apple Pencil. Although it is not limited to that.
As explained by those from Cupertino, the new Apple Pencil with USB-C offers the same precision as the first and second generation models. One of the most notable differences with those versions is that, although it can detect the inclination, The same does not happen with pressure. What this renewed variant does include is support for the function hover when used with an iPad Pro with M2 chip.
On the other hand, it can also be magnetically attached to the iPad to make it easier to carry, although it does not support battery recharging under this mode. This, for now, remains an exclusive function of the second generation Apple Pencil. It is worth mentioning, however, that when attached to an iPad Pro or Air through the magnet, the new Apple Pencil with USB-C port enters sleep mode to save battery.
Although the new Apple Pencil is compatible with all iPad models with a USB-C port, it is evident that it has been designed to get the most out of it on the basic tenth generation model.
Price and availability
The new Apple Pencil with USB-C will be available from the first days of November. The price in the United States will be 79 dollars for the general public, and $69 for the educational sector. In Spain, meanwhile, it will also be launched at the beginning of next month and in exchange for 95 euros.
This makes it the cheapest Apple Pencil available. Let’s keep in mind that the first generation pencil is sold for 119 euros, with the USB-C adapter included. The latter is also sold separately for 10 euros. For its part, the second generation Apple Pencil is available for 149 euros.
Regarding compatibility, it can be used with the following models:
- 10th generation iPad;
- iPad mini 6th generation;
- iPad Air fourth and fifth generation;
- 11-inch iPad Pro first, second, third and fourth generation;
- Third, fourth, fifth and sixth generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
If you want to know all the similarities and differences between the new Apple Pencil with USB-C and the first and second generation models, you can see them in the following table published by Apple.
