New Apple Pencil (USB-C) - Unboxing & Hands-On!

Apple last week began shipping out the new USB-C Apple Pencil, so we thought we'd check it out for MacRumors readers who might be interested in purchasing one. The USB-C ‌Apple Pencil‌ is compatible with all iPads that have a USB-C port and that are running iOS 17.1 or later.

When it comes to design and feel, the USB-C ‌Apple Pencil‌ is much like the second-generation ‌Apple Pencil‌, featuring a matte finish and a flat side where it can attach to the iPad, but it's worth noting that it's shorter. Unlike the ‌Apple Pencil‌ 2, it is not able to pair with an ‌iPad‌ automatically, and you'll need a USB-C cable for pairing purposes.

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Hands-On With the New USB-C Apple Pencil

[mikeh.]

I have the 1st Gen. The charging is so funky but it works great (along with Notability).

[SierraPrecursora]

iPad 10th gen (Oct 2022) is only compatible with Apple Pencil (USB-C) OR Apple Pencil 1st gen WITH a USB-C adaptor. Weird that it isn't compatible with Apple Pencil 2nd Generation. I was curious about WHY Apple created this iteration that seems like a backward step, and was expecting that it would be MORE backward compatible than it is. My husband suggested that the USB-C option is to make it compliant with European regulations, which is probably true. And, as you mentioned, it is a more economical choice. For me, (especially by finding that one seller who discounts the Apple Pencil second generation) the Apple Pencil 2nd gen is the only logical option - sometimes it is more cost effective to buy the upgraded product ONCE, instead of repent and buy the upgraded product after having purchased the basic model! (But, seriously, Apple does some weird and dumb cost-cutting maneuvers on their premium priced products - NO cable? Really?)

[atne]

whats the point of not having pressure sensitivity. Its just the same as any other old stylus then

[MiaCarter]

Why couldn’t they just make the 10th gen ipad compatible with all pencils?

[XxBloggs]

When Apple Pencils are $20 I’ll buy one.

[IsoMacintosh]

90 euros for non pressure sensitive stylus is ridiculous, it`s priced similarly to high end wacom styluses with 8k pressure levels.
if it was 50 euros it could be acceptable but nah

[lalelu]

I wish the USB C pencil had an actual C male, like the 1. Gen has a lightning one to just plug it straight into the iPad.
Since my 10. Gen iPad is not compatible with 2. Gen Pencil, I have to get out a charging cable every time I want to use the pencil (and with my 1. Gen pencil a lighting/C adapter on top of that).
Would have definitely upgraded to the USB C pencil but if I have to get out the cable either way there is literally no point.

[HiFiInsider]

I actually like it that it doesn't charge while attached to iPad so it doesn't over change the battery. Wish they made this design from the beginning.

[Techno-Universal]

What would also be cool is if you could also use that new Apple Pencil with IPhones that can run IOS 17! :)

[LeilaIndo]

Kind of disappointed they did not give this one a pressure sensitivity feature, as an artist.

[pbibss]

do you have to pair them with the cable every single time you use it? or does it stay paired after the first time?

[patnewson]

I just got one today to go with brand new iPad Pro 13”. Haven’t got the iPad yet - tomorrow! Have I made a mistake getting the cheaper pencil? I’m not an artist - just all the other stuff. Just trying to figure out what is dif between this & the more expensive one.

[gnwnmy]

pressure sensitivity should not be IRL DLC

[pefid]

This fits on the iPad Mini 6 the best of all !

[amper_not_ampere]

So... is there any point in getting this one, if it's the same thing as a *cheaper* Logitech Crayon?

[suneyahosama]

Wait it doesn’t come with an extra nib? I have a third party stylus that came with two nibs but the nibs wore down pretty fast but idk the average time it’s supposed to last. I’m a student I use it most of the time but not all the time like an artist or designer would

[chrismv]

It seems like it works like all those cheap pencils available. Ones that don't have to be paired. I have one for my iPad Air. I bought the Air because I wanted to see if by having a M1 processor I'd use it with my work. Film Editing. It didn't work out that way. My previous iPad was the 9th generation it it was just as functional as this iPad. The iPad has one function it does well, drawing. Otherwise it's too locked down to be an effective tool.

[zorodrguezrojo]

I wasn't able to see the charging thing on the top and I just unboxed it do you have anything that could help.?

[nkky]

I have a ninth generation iPad so with the lighting port, if I were to buy an Apple Pencil USB-C can I connect it to the iPad using the iPad charger cable? the cable has 2 ports, a lighting (which goes into the ipad) and a usb-c (the one that goes directly into the charger). If I were to use that cable would I have any problems or incompatibilities between the pen and the iPad?

[galenryder]

Very useful video. I think this does fill a niche. I have a 1st Gen pencil. Bought the 5th Gen iPad Air earlier this year. Bought the Lightning to USB-C adapter for Pencil they sell.

Turns out I didn’t read the fine print on that adapter close enough. It’s only compatible with the 10th Gen iPad, which doesn’t support the 2nd Gen Pencil and my iPad won’t pair with a 1st Gen.

So that was confusing. Looks like this Pencil does pair with both. But the product page doesn’t mention it’s missing the pressure sensitivity.

If it was just the charging difference I’d probably save the $60 CDN. But losing the option for pressure in art apps to me is a lot bigger than the double tap.

So I finally pulled the trigger on a 2nd Gen to take advantage of their Black Friday gift card deal (which makes it more like a $25 difference).