Technology

Apple’s cheaper Pencil is available for purchase now, but it surely has some limitations

2 November 2023
Bourahima


  • The USB-C port is hidden below the cap.


    Apple

  • Apple’s detailed chart delineating which Pencil it is best to or shouldn’t purchase.


    Apple

The brand new USB-C Apple Pencil is now out there on the market by way of Apple’s web site, with the primary shipments arriving on November 3. It appears to be like like it will likely be out there in bodily shops beginning round November 8, too.

The $79 peripheral is the third Apple Pencil mannequin, however do not let that idiot you into pondering it is your best option; it is the brand new cheaper, entry-level possibility. The second-generation Pencil is the highest-end one, at $129.

What makes this Pencil completely different? Nicely, you possibly can take a look at the big desk above from Apple’s web site to see the options as they examine to different fashions—or you possibly can learn what we wrote a few weeks in the past when it was first introduced:

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

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

The stress sensitivity is the principle factor you are shedding, and its absence is presumably the principle factor that makes it a lot cheaper than the alternate options. It is possible a more sensible choice for people who need to write on their iPads than those that need to enterprise into the visible arts. In any case, it is suitable with any iPad that has a USB-C port.

It makes for a complicated Pencil lineup; strive explaining to somebody who’s not following Apple or tech intently which Pencil to purchase, and it may be an train in frustration. That mentioned, the iPad lineup is equally convoluted at this level, so there’s that.

Itemizing picture by Apple