Apple Pencil: with hidden USB-C port and more at $79

October 18, 2023

Apple has announced the new Apple Pencil with USB-C port, offering it at a lower price than the two previous models, but some of its features fall short.

The new Apple Pencil with USB-C charging does not support wireless charging or pairing. The USB-C port is hidden in the detachable part of the pencil. It allows hover mode on M2 iPad Pro models and can be magnetically attached to the side when not in use, being in standby mode.

However, it lacks the pressure sensitivity of the first two models of the Apple Pencil and doesn't support the double tap function for changing tools.

The new Apple Pencil with USB-C port measures 7.5 x 155 mm and weighs 20.5 grams, practically identical to the Apple Pencil 2.

It's cheaper than the original Apple Pencil ($99) and the previous second-generation model ($129), originally costing $79/€95/£79.

The product will be available from early November and will be compatible with the following iPad models:

iPad (2022)
iPad Air (2022)
iPad Air (2020)
iPad mini (2021)
iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
iPad Pro 11 (2022)
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
iPad Pro 11 (2021)
iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)
iPad Pro 11 (2020)
iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)

Rumours of Apple's announcements this week had been growing, with many speculating that new iPads would be unveiled. Japanese blog Mac Otakara thought it was more likely that an announcement would be made for a third-generation Apple Pencil featuring a magnetic tip.