Apple has made a surprise announcement of the new Apple Pencil. The third-generation Apple Pencil has some interesting features and is more affordable than previous models. The company released the new device quietly in a press release early in the morning, without launching a new iPad.

Key Features and Differences from Previous Models

Although the new Apple Pencil looks similar to the previous version, there are some significant differences inside. The tip looks the same, despite rumors of a magnetic replaceable tip. However, the back end of the device has a slit or cut, which Apple is highlighting as a more affordable option. Despite the lower price, the new Apple Pencil still maintains the same Pixel Perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, making it an ideal tool for tasks like taking notes and drawing.

The new Apple Pencil sports the same matte finish as the previous model, which is preferred by many over the original’s glossy finish. Additionally, the flat side of the device allows it to magnetically attach to most newer iPads. The Apple Pencil 3 is also compatible with all iPads that have a USB type-C, including the new low-end iPad 10 that has been recently redesigned.

Works great for that! But even with the 12.9-inch iPad Pros that cost a lot of money, it’s still going to work great, so you don’t have to spend $130 now. The interesting thing is that, even though this does magnetically attach, it will not charge with the magnetic connection like you get with the Apple Pencil 2.

New Apple Pencil 3 Design 

Looking at this next image, you can see that USB Type-C port right there, and this looks super cool with that nice, shiny, metallic finish on the inside. The cap right there where it says Apple Pencil just slides out and stays there, whereas the original Apple Pencil cap came off, and so many people would lose it. You just have a lightning port that can easily break sticking out right there. We lost our cap, but this thing just stays here in the office, so I think this is a really smart design. With that USB-C connection, you can use that to charge up the Apple Pencil, and you also use it to pair it, and that’s great.

They had launched this thing when they launched the iPad 10 refresh, because with that, you had to use a lightning to USB-C cable, and then you needed to use a little adapter which, if you would buy that pencil again, it comes in the box, but most people who already have one, you’d have to go out and buy that adapter separately, which is a pain, and then you would lose it. So that was just a horrible design. Why they didn’t come out with this new one earlier.

Charging and Pairing

Now, any USB-C cable is slid up that cap; it stays there. You plug it in, and you could charge it up. Unfortunately, this thing is not as good in some ways as the Apple Pencil 2 because when you do magnetically attach it, even to an iPad Pro, it will not pair to the iPad. It just uses that magnet to hold it into place, but you don’t get any pairing and you don’t get any charging as well.

If you have a couple of different iPads, you will have to take out a USB-C cable, plug the thing in, just to pair up, unplug it, and then moving to another iPad, you’re going to have to do the same thing instead of just setting it down on your iPad and switching between them, and it just automatically pairs.

Now, it does have one magnetic smart function, and that is when you do set it on top, it will know that you’re not using it, and then it will go into sleep mode instead of being active. I don’t know how much battery that saves compared to just setting it down onto the table, and if it’s worth constantly putting it on top, but it’s nice that at least it’s doing something, even though you don’t get charging or pairing. Apple also put out this little comparison sheet right here, which is cool.

Comparing the New Apple Pencil with its Predecessors

In the year 2023, Apple Pencil 2 costs $129 while the original Apple Pencil costs $99. However, Apple will still sell the original one because some iPads have lightning and people will continue to buy them for a while. A new Apple Pencil is now available at $79, making it the cheapest option. It has a magnetic connection, a better port, and a little more functionality.

All three iPads have Pixel Perfect Precision and low latency, which is great for drawing. Apple Pencils are awesome compared to other tablets with styluses. They all have tilt sensitivity, so the angle you draw at will have a different effect. However, the new USBC Apple Pencil lacks pressure sensitivity, which the first-gen Apple Pencil has. It is strange that the new Apple Pencil doesn’t have this feature, and it may be more beneficial to reduce smart features and have pressure sensitivity instead.

The New Apple Pencil: Pros and Cons

Apple will still encourage people to buy the Apple Pencil 2, especially if they are serious about using it for drawing. The Apple Pencil 2 can magnetically attach to the iPad, which the original one cannot do. Additionally, it supports wireless pairing and charging, which the first-gen Apple Pencil does not. If you have an iPad Pro, it will support hover.

One of the newer Apple Pencil models comes with the P feature, which is pretty cool as it has a built-in sensor. Unfortunately, it does not have the sensor for double-tapping to switch between tools like the eraser, marker, or pencil. Additionally, you do not get free engraving on this pencil unless you pay an extra $50. It’s interesting how Apple has introduced a cheaper option, but it lacks the pressure sensitivity feature that the original one has. I wish they would have replaced the original one or at least given this one the pressure sensitivity feature and kept it at $99 instead of reducing the price to $79 while adding new features like magnetic attachment.

FAQs

1. What is the new Apple Pencil 3 and how is it different from the Apple Pencil 2?

The new Apple Pencil 3 is a highly developed version of Apple’s digital stylus, with a range of new features added. Unlike its predecessor, the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, the Apple Pencil 3 is said to have a USB-C port incorporated rather than a Lightning Connector. This essentially means you could connect it to a wider range of devices, giving it an edge over the previous models. Furthermore, it is rumoured that it will also offer magnetic tips which are interchangeable, making it apt for a variety of different purposes.

2. Can the Apple Pencil 3 be used with the recent iPad models like the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the iPad mini?

Though Apple has yet to confirm this, there are rumours that the new Apple Pencil 3 is likely to be compatible with the latest iPad models including the new iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air and the iPad mini. The USB-C port integration would make it more universally adaptable.

3. How does the Apple Pencil 3 attach to the iPad?

The Apple Pencil 3 attaches to the iPad magnetically, just like the previous versions. Additionally, when attached, it charges wirelessly via the new USB-C charging solution.

4. What are some of the Apple Pencil 3 new features?

The Apple Pencil 3 is expected to take the creative experience to another level with its new features. Apart from the integrated USB-C port, it is also expected to offer interchangeable magnetic tips which would be suitable for different artistic needs.