The Ultimate Guide to Apple's Revolutionary USB-C Pencil

The Apple Pencil is Apple's solution for drawing and handwritten notes on the iPad. However, it has been a source of confusion for customers. Initially, Apple offered a first-generation model with a Lightning port, which was later complemented by a second-generation Pencil with magnetic charging. When the 10th Gen iPad was released with a USB Type-C port, Apple created an adapter to make the second-gen Pencil compatible. Despite this, the Apple Pencil lineup remains convoluted.

Now, Apple has introduced a new Pencil designed specifically for Type-C iPads. It is compatible with any iPad, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini that has a USB Type-C port. The connector is hidden behind a sliding cap, so it still requires a USB-C cable for charging. This can be a C-to-C cable connected directly to the iPad or any other USB-C cable plugged into a power source.

The first-generation Apple Pencil with the Lightning port could be plugged directly into an iPad. However, it can also magnetically attach to an iPad, although this method does not wirelessly charge the Pencil. Apple claims that when the Pencil is magnetically attached, it "enters into a sleep state to preserve battery life."

Apple states that the new Pencil offers identical accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity to the current first and second-gen Apple Pencils. It also provides the same hover support on the iPad Pro as the second-gen model. The Pencil can be used for drawing and note-taking in compatible apps, as well as functioning as a pointer in most system settings.

However, it's important to note that the new USB-C Apple Pencil does not serve as a universal solution. It lacks wireless charging and the double-tap gesture found on the second-generation Pencil. Additionally, it does not include the pressure sensitivity feature available on both the first and second-gen Apple Pencil devices. To better illustrate these differences, the company has created a comparison table, which is displayed below.

It's confusing that Apple is selling three products named "Apple Pencil." Each product has different features, creating some inconsistencies. Currently, Apple still offers the 9th Gen iPad with a Lightning port, so it is likely that the first-generation Pencil with a Lightning port will still be available. The absence of pressure sensitivity in the new USB-C Pencil is particularly puzzling and adds to the inconvenience. For instance, if you own the USB-C 10th Gen iPad (which is incompatible with the second-gen Pencil), your choices are limited to the first-gen Pencil with pressure sensitivity along with an odd USB-C adapter or the new USB-C Pencil without a strange adapter but lacking pressure sensitivity.

The USB-C Apple Pencil will be priced at $79 in the United States, a $20 reduction compared to the first-generation Pencil. It will be released for retail sale in "early November." Education customers can purchase it at a discounted price of $69.