Apple introduces a more affordable Apple Pencil featuring USB-C compatibility but omits a significant functionality.
For those who’ve longed for an Apple Pencil to complement their cherished iPad but were deterred by the steep $129 / £119 / AU$219 / INR11,900/- price tag, here’s some good news: Apple has just unveiled a more budget-friendly $79 / £79 / AU$139 / INR 7900/- Apple Pencil that is compatible with all iPads supporting this digital stylus. However, this reduced price does come at a cost.
This marks the first Apple Pencil to offer support for USB-C charging. The design cleverly conceals the USB-C port, eliminating any protruding cables or plugs, and you simply slide the cap to access it. To charge the Pencil, you can connect a USB-C-to-USB-C cable from your iPad or, alternatively, to a USB-C charger.
Regrettably, this is the sole method for charging the more affordable Apple Pencil. While it still magnetically attaches to iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini (versions with the flat edge and contact charger), it no longer charges when connected and instead enters sleep mode to conserve power.
It’s important to note that the new Pencil is incompatible with iPads still equipped with Apple’s traditional lightning port.
Visually, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) closely resembles the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil, but it doesn’t share all of its superior features. Most notably, it lacks pressure sensitivity, a crucial function for many artists who depend on it to vary line thickness without navigating through software menus, such as Procreate.
Furthermore, it doesn’t include the double-tap-to-change-tools feature found in the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil. This omission might not affect casual users, but it could be a drawback for more experienced artists.
On the plus side, this more affordable Apple Pencil does check most boxes, including tilt sensitivity. It offers an attractive option for those who desire a capable digital drawing tool but are hesitant to spend over $100 for the privilege of using their iPad as a canvas. Alternatively, some might opt for the $69.99 (INR 6994) Logitech Crayon digital Pencil.
The Apple Pencil USB-C is set to hit the market in early November, conveniently timed just ahead of the Black Friday deals period.
