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Apple Pencil vs Apple Pencil vs Apple Pencil: What’s the deal?

Apple has launched an all-new Apple Pencil. It’s got USB-C and a mix of features from the premium Apple Pencil 2 while holding some back to keep the price tag at $50 below the high-end model. Read along for how Apple Pencil USB-C vs Apple Pencil 2 vs 1 shakes out.

While the company says the new Apple Pencil USB-C has arrived to offer “more value and choice to the lineup,” it will no doubt cause confusion for many.

That’s because the Apple Pencil USB-C does not replace the Apple Pencil 1, it’s actually slotting in between 1 and 2 as the mid-tier option.

Throw in differences between compatibility and features for each model, and it takes some effort to understand what’s going on. But below we’ll solve that for you with a couple of charts 😁.

Apple Pencil USB-C vs Apple Pencil 2 vs 1

Features compared

Apple Pencil USB-C vs Apple Pencil 2 port

With Apple Pencil USB-C, you’ve got capabilities like tilt sensitivity, magnetic attachment, and even Apple Pencil hover with the new iPad Pro models.

However, Apple Pencil USB-C does not include pressure sensitivity or double-tap support to change tools.

And as shown above, you need to remove the end cap to charge and pair with a cable (not included in the box) – no magnetic/wireless charging and pairing like Apple Pencil 2.

Here’s the full rundown:

Apple Pencil 2Apple Pencil USB-CApple Pencil 1
Low latencyβœ…βœ…βœ…
Tilt sensitivityβœ…βœ…βœ…
Pressure sensitivityβœ…βŒβœ…
Precise writing and drawingβœ…βœ…βœ…
Magnetic attachmentβœ…βœ…βŒ
Wireless pairing and chargingβœ…βŒβŒ
Apple Pencil hover supportβœ…βœ…βŒ
Double-tap tool changesβœ…βŒβŒ
Free engravingβœ…βŒβŒ

The lack of pressure sensitivity with the Apple Pencil USB-C is a bummer, but Apple is no doubt using that as an incentive for customers to upgrade to Apple Pencil 2.

Compatibility

Apple Pencil USB-C works with all iPads with that port, but not all iPads work with the Apple Pencil 2 or 1:

Apple Pencil 2Apple Pencil USB-CApple Pencil 1
iPad modelsWorks with iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad ProWorks with all iPad models with a USB-C portWorks with iPad 10 and 9 (USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter needed for pairing and charging with iPad 10 – included in box)

Pricing

Apple Pencil USB-C comes in as the most affordable option at $79 ($69 for education).

Apple Pencil 2Apple Pencil USB-CApple Pencil 1
$$129$79$99

Apple Pencil USB-C vs Apple Pencil 2 wrap-up

Apple Pencil USB-C vs Apple Pencil 2 wrap-up

If you’ve got an iPad with USB-C and you don’t need or want all of the features of the flagship Apple Pencil 2, the new Apple Pencil USB-C is a more affordable and capable stylus.

It will also be a nice option for schools that want to stick with an official Apple stylus without spending $100 or more for each student (assuming they have USB-C iPads).

What do you think? Is Apple Pencil USB-C a solid new model or do you prefer to stick with Apple Pencil 2 or a third-party option? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Avatar for Michael Potuck Michael Potuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.