Following last month’s iPhone 15 and new AirPods Pro, Apple is continuing its transition to a fully USB-C world with a brand-new Apple Pencil that’s launching this November for $79.
It’s the cheapest stylus Apple’s released yet, but you’ll need a USB-C iPad to use it. It does some things the $99 model can’t, but it also lacks a key feature. Additionally, the first- and second-generation Apple Pencils are staying in the lineup. Confused? So are we. Let’s break it all down.
Launching in early November, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is the cheapest Apple Pencil yet, promising the same low latency, tilt sensitivity and overall accuracy of more expensive models for anyone with a USB-C iPad.
According to Apple, this new model — which we’ll call Apple Pencil (USB-C) — promises to have the same overall responsiveness and accuracy you’ll find on the first and second-gen pencils, both of which have become a favorite amongst casual notetakers and digital artists alike. It packs a USB-C port that you can access by sliding the cap open, which allows you to connect it via charging cable to any USB-C iPad — that includes the 10th-gen iPad as well as the latest iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad Mini. Like on the second-gen Apple Pencil, you can pop it onto the side of your iPad magnetically, which will put it in a low-power state to save battery.
Interestingly, this new, cheaper stylus supports Apple Pencil hover, a neat feature that lets you preview certain actions before committing to them — kind of like hovering your mouse cursor over something. I loved using this feature while testing the latest iPad Pro but criticized the fact that it was exclusive to the $129 second-gen Apple Pencil, so I’m glad to see this neat functionality come to a more affordable stylus.
But while Apple Pencil hover and the ability to attach magnetically give the $79 Apple Pencil (USB-C) an edge over the $99 first-gen Apple Pencil, you will sacrifice the pressure sensitivity you’ll get on the latter model (meaning it won’t do as good a job simulating the mix of light and deep strokes you might make while drawing). And if you want features like wireless pairing and charging, double-tap for switching tools and custom engraving, you’ll still need to go for the highest-end second-gen Apple Pencil.
Apple says the USB-C Pencil will be available in “early November.” Folks who already own a first-gen Apple Pencil and plan to upgrade to a USB-C iPad can pick up the $9 USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter, which is hilariously cumbersome but gets the job done.
At a quick glance, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) seems best suited for iPad Pro, Air and Mini users who want a good stylus (and the ability to use hover) without paying $129 for a second-gen Pencil, or 10th-gen iPad owners who don’t want to deal with that pesky adapter. We’ll be testing out this new pencil as soon as we can, but in the meantime, here’s a breakdown of how the entire Apple Pencil lineup stacks up so you can make sure you’re getting the right one.
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | iPad 10th Gen, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th to 6th Gen), iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen), iPad mini (6th Gen) |
iPad mini 5th Gen, iPad 6th to 10th Gen, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd Gen) |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th to 6th Gen), iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen, iPad mini (6th Gen) |
| Tilt sensitivity and low latency | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Pressure sensitivity | No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Can attach magnetically | Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Apple pencil hover | Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Double-tap | No |
No |
Yes |
| Wireless pairing and charging | No |
No |
Yes |
| Free engraving | No |
No |
Yes |
| Price | $79 | $99 | $129 |
