Apple made a quiet but exciting announcement via a press release this week: they’re releasing a new Apple Pencil equipped with USB-C functionality. What’s more, it’s less costly than its predecessors, coming in at an entry-level price.
In this blog, we’ll detail all the features it has, along with how it measures up to the first and second-generation Apple Pencils.
What are the new Apple Pencil features?
This fresh Apple Pencil can support hover with M2 versions of the iPad Pro, enabling a much better level of accuracy. It also connects magnetically to the edge of an iPad, similar to the second generation. Just like the previous models, it has advanced pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity.
The USB-C port is, without a doubt, the biggest upgrade. The first generation used the Lightning port for charging – and was therefore incompatible with many of the newer iPads. The second generation charged wirelessly, but it didn’t work with the 10th-generation iPad.
Now, the new Apple Pencil works with any iPad that uses a USB-C port – but interestingly, this excludes the lowest-cost iPad despite this being the cheapest Apple Pencil.
Being an entry-level tool, it’s not equipped with all the advanced capabilities of the second-generation Apple Pencil. There’s no pressure sensitivity, wireless pairing and charging, or the ability to change tools by tapping twice. We’re surprised by the loss of pressure sensitivity, especially when it even featured on the first generation!
How does the new Apple Pencil compare?
Apple’s newest Pencil means there is a more affordable option on the market, and enthusiasts have more choice. In any case, the earlier generations of the Apple Pencil don’t appear to be going anywhere, so Pencils with Lightning charging or more advanced features are still available.
| Apple Pencil (first generation) | Apple Pencil (second generation) | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | |
| Pixel-perfect precision | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Low latency | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tilt sensitivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure sensitivity | Yes | Yes | No |
| Magnetic attachment | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless pairing and charging | No | Yes | No |
| Supports Apple Pencil hover | No | Yes | Yes |
| Double-tap for tool switching | No | No | Yes |
| Free engraving | No | No | Yes |
| iPad | 6th to 10th generation* | Incompatible | 10th generation |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch compatibility | Compatible | Incompatible | Incompatible |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch compatibility | Compatible | Incompatible | Incompatible |
| iPad Pro 11-inch compatibility | Incompatible | 1st to 4th generations | 1st to 4th generations |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch compatibility | 1st to 2nd generations | 3rd to 6th generations | 3rd to 6th generations |
| iPad Air compatibility | 3rd generation | 4th to 5th generation | 4th to 5th generation |
| iPad mini compatibility | 5th generation | 6th generation | 6th generation |
*10th generation will require a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter.
Spread the cost with Lease Loop
The new Pencil offers an entry-level price while retaining many of the benefits of its predecessor. With a November release date, Apple may potentially sneak in another quiet press release to unveil new devices – maybe even a fresh iPad!
Whatever happens, Apple products necessitate a premium price, and leasing will help spread the cost over time.
At Lease Loop, we’re all about supportive relationships. So, we’ll find you a leasing solution that suits your business perfectly. Plus, we’ll be there to help you as your business goes from strength to strength. Speak to our friendly team today to get started.
