Apple unveils new Apple Pencil with USB-C charging, cheaper P4,990 price tag
Apple has unveiled the latest model of its stylus, the Apple Pencil, which offers the convenience of USB-C charging and a price tag that's lighter on the pocket.
The new device was launched by the tech giant on Tuesday, Oct. 17, as one that is "ideal for note-taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more."
Topping the list of features is the digital stylus' capability to charge with a USB-C cord, which is a first for this product lineup.
Apple Pencil 1, released in September 2015, juices up its battery with the brand's propriety Lightning cable, while the Apple Pencil 2 that debuted in November 2018 only charges wirelessly through the magnetic connector of a compatible iPad.
Unlike its predecessor, the new Apple Pencil does not support wireless charging and pairing, yet equipped with a sleep feature that will preserve its battery when magnetically attached to an iPad for storage.
It likewise has "pixel-perfect" accuracy, low latency for responsive input, tilt sensitivity for shadowing, and Bluetooth connectivity found in the first and second generations of the Apple Pencil.
The latest model also supports hover when it is used with the M2 models of the iPad Pro. According to Apple, this feature allows users to sketch and illustrate with greater precision.
Because the new device is entry-level, it goes without saying that it lacks some other features offered by the stylus' first and second generations. Apart from wireless charging and pairing, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) does not have pressure sensitivity and the double tap feature which allows users to switch between tools easily.
As for the design, the new model is nearly identical to the Apple Pencil 2 with its measurement of 7.5 x 155mm and a weight of 20.5 grams. It has a matte finish and a flat side that magnetically attaches to the side of iPad. Its USB-C port is meanwhile placed under a sliding cap, embodying the brand's "extreme minimalism" concept.
The device is compatible with all iPad models with a USB-C port, including iPad (2020 model only), iPad Air (2020 model or newer), iPad Pro 11-inch (2018 model or newer), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018 model or newer), and iPad mini (2021 only)
Touted as the most affordable Apple Pencil by far, the new device retails at P4,990 or more than a thousand bucks cheaper than the Apple Pencil 1 (P6,590) and Apple Pencil 2 (P8,690).
It will be available to order in the U.S. in November, while availability in the Philippines has yet to be announced.