Apple Announces New Apple Pencil 3 with USB-C Charging 

Today is a day of celebration for Apple Pencil users as Apple has just announced a new Apple Pencil 3 with USB-C charging, which also comes with a more affordable price. From what we learned on the Apple Newsroom, Apple designed the Apple Pencil 3 with a matte finish and a flat surface that magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for storage and allows users to connect and charge using a USB-C cable.

Wait…So there’s a new Apple Pencil that charges via USB-C but

– Has no pressure sensitivity
– Can’t charge/pair wirelessly when attached
– Can’t use double tap feature

It’s the cheapest out of all 3 🤔 why was this made? It removes features that Gen1 Apple Pencil had🫤 pic.twitter.com/ghZB6e3OBc

— Pixel n Plug (@PixelnPlug) October 17, 2023

According to Bob Borchers, vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing: “Apple Pencil has revolutionised note-taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity. Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.” Therefore, we will cover everything you need to learn about the new Apple Pencil 3 below.

Also Read: Apple Plans iOS 17 Update to Address iPhone 15 Overheating Issue

2 Things to Know About Apple Pencil 3

Features and Pricing 

The most attractive feature for users debating to purchase the Apple Pencil 3 is its price drop of $50 from the $129 second-gen Pencil. As mentioned, the iPad accessory will cost $79 and comes with a sliding cover that reveals the USB-C port. It also magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad, even on the 10th generation Apple model launched last year. Therefore, all iPad models which include a USB-C port, like iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini, will work with the new Apple Pencil 3.

However, the lower price means the Apple Pencil 3 will not have some of the better premium features of the first and second-generation accessories. For instance, the pencil will not support pressure sensitivity, wireless pairing and charging, or a double-tap feature that lets you switch between tools.

While it may seem unreasonable for some that the Apple Pencil 3 does not include premium features, Apple seemed to be targeting a larger audience as they introduced cheaper pricing for current and newly accepted college students and their parents, faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels at just $69. Will you be buying the Apple Pencil 3? Let us know on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. 

Comparison with First and Second Generation Apple Pencils 

At an initial glance, the Apple Pencil 3 seems the most affordable model as the new features make it ideal for everyday productivity and creativity. However, if we consider the missing features from the first and second-generation Apple Pencils, is it still worth your money? Let us take a look at the table below. 

Features	Apple Pencil 1	Apple Pencil 2	Apple Pencil 3
Pixel Perfect Precision	Can write and draw with precision	Can write and draw with precision	Can write and draw with precision
Low Latency	Feels natural and responsive	Feels natural and responsive	Feels natural and responsive
Tilt Sensitivity	Can tilt for shading effects	Can tilt for shading effects	Can tilt for shading effects
Pressure Sensitivity	Responds naturally to pressure	Responds naturally to pressure	Does not respond naturally to pressure
Attaches Magnetically	Cannot store Apple Pencil on the side	Can store Apple Pencil on the side	Can store Apple Pencil on the side
Wireless Pairing and Charging	Automatically pairs and charges when attached	Does not automatically pairs and charges when attached	Does not automatically pairs and charges when attached
Support Hover on iPad Pro	Does not previews mark before making	Previews mark before making	Previews mark before making
Double-Tap to Change Tools	Does not quickly switch between tools	Quickly switch between tools	Does not quickly switch between tools
Free Engraving	Can engrave to make it your own	Cannot engrave to make it your own	Cannot engrave to make it your own
Compatibility	Compatible with iPad mini 5, iPad Air 3, iPad (6 to 10), iPad pro 9.7, 10.5 and 12.9 inch(1st and 2nd gen)	Compatible with iPad mini 6, iPad Air 4 and 5, iPad (6 to 10), iPad pro 11 inch (1st to 4rd gen), iPad pro 12.9 inch (3rd to 6th gen)	Compatible with every model with a USB-C charging port
Prices	$99	$129	$79 and $69 for educators

Related: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14: Which One Has the Better Value for Money?

Concluding Statement

While the new Apple Pencil 3 does have its own deficiency, it is still a much more affordable option for users with a USB-C charging port than the previous generations. However, if you are unsure which generation of Apple Pencil is compatible with your iPads, you can visit here for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Apple Pencil 3 Releasing? 

The Apple Pencil 3 is releasing in early November. While we understand that Apple will sell it alongside the original Apple Pencil and the second-generation Apple Pencil, Apple has not released an official confirmation date.

Why Is Apple Switching to USB-C Charging? 

The switch from a Lightning port to a USB-C Charging port is not something of their will but of force. In accordance with the regulations imposed by the EU, Apple must drop the Lightning port before the end of 2024. If they fail to comply, they may not sell new iPhones in EU countries. As per the words of Greg Joswiak, “We have no choice”.

What Is Apple Releasing Next? 

While it is all speculation, we expect Apple to release their new MacBook Pro with an M3 chip, a new iMac, Apple Vision Pro, iPad Air and the third generation of AirPods Pro. With no stated events in October, we will likely see such products next year.