Unexpectedly, Apple released a new, cheaper, $79 Apple Pencil called the Apple Pencil USB-C. Below I will explain everything you need to know about this new accessory and my opinions too.
First, the design is one very similar to the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) with a matte finish and one side that is flat, compared to the fully rounded, glossy, Apple Pencil (1st Generation). Unlike the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation), it does not pair and charge magnetically to the side of the iPad. But, it does store on the side of the iPad. At the end of the pencil, there is a a cap, that is a bit different than the (1st Generation) Apple Pencil though. It does not come fully off, just pulling away far enough to reveal a small USB-C port, hence the name. I have experienced this in the Apple Store, and it seems like a version of clicking your pen. I can imagine it being used as almost a fidget toy, just like clicking your pen. This is where you plug it in to the cable attached to the iPad to pair and charge. Let’s quickly talk compatibility. This pencil is compatible with each iPad that has a USB-C port, including the iPad (10th Generation) that is not compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation). What I find interesting though is that the USB-C Apple Pencil can magnetically attach to the side of the iPad (but does not pair or charge), unlike the 2nd gen Apple Pencil which is not even compatible with the iPad 10th gen. Below is a great image of what the cap reveals after opening it.
The limitations of this pencil are a bid disappointing though, but understandable, considering the price. Take a look at the chart for a side-by-side comparison of each of the pencils.
A thing to note though, if Apple has to make a chart, they have too many options for customers for choose from, making yet another product have a confusing lineup.
The USB-C Apple Pencil has many of the core features of the Apple Pencil, like Pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity. As I have said already, it magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad, but not charging or pairing. A premium feature that made it to this budget pencil though is Apple Pencil hover on the iPad Pro, a preview of where you will make your mark on the screen. There are still some features left out (you can see above) that show this is a budget Apple Pencil.
The reason I think Apple released this product is specifically for the iPad (10th Gen) which is not compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and is made a hassle to connect the Apple Pencil (1st Gen) with the Lightning Port, which is not ideal for a USB-C iPad. I also speculate that once the iPad (9th Generation) with a Lightning port and a Home Button is discontinued (which probably be when the iPad (11th Generation) comes out), the Apple Pencil (1st Generation) will also be discontinued because no other iPad will be compatible with it, since all of the new iPads have a USB-C port, rather than a Lightning port. This is probably the exact reason the original Apple Pencil is still around today because of the one iPad that still is compatible with it.
Overall, this new Apple Pencil USB-C is a great entry-level Apple Pencil for everyday use. It is a great essential for new iPads sold today. Although it does not have some of the premium features of the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation), it still creates a wonderful experience for the user at the modest $79. If you are looking for a more premium Apple Pencil, you should upgrade to the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation). The Apple Pencil USB-C truly is a successful product Apple, most likely a successor to the Apple Pencil (1st Generation).
The Apple Enthusiast 