Apple has unveiled a new addition to its product lineup, the Apple Pencil with a USB-C upgrade. The release comes five years after the previous version and is aimed at providing iPad users with more choices and affordability. The company made the announcement on Tuesday (local time), with the new Apple Pencil set to go on sale in select countries and regions in October.

With a price tag of $79, the new Apple Pencil has a 40 percent reduction in price compared to its predecessor. Apple has also implemented an educational discount, allowing eligible individuals including university students, prospective students, parents, educators, and homeschool teachers, to purchase it for $69.

A notable feature of the new Apple Pencil is its C-type USB port, which is revealed when the sliding cap at the tip is opened and enables users to pair and charge the pencil conveniently. While optimized for the 10th-generation iPad, the new Apple Pencil is also compatible with other iPad models, including the iPad Pro, iPad Air (4th and 5th generations), and iPad Mini (6th generation), which feature a C-type USB port.

The Apple Pencil with USB-C provides a magnetic attachment option to the iPad, allowing for easy storage and switching to a power-saving sleep mode when attached. It also includes a hover feature that assists with precision drawing by indicating the point of contact.

This is a new release, but the absence of the “3rd generation” label suggests that Apple does not view it as a substantial performance upgrade compared to the 2nd generation. Notably, it lacks the pressure sensitivity adjustments, wireless pairing, wireless charging, and double-tap functionality in the more expensive previous version. These performance differences may not be a concern for the average user but could be a deal-breaker for artists and graphic designers who rely on these advanced features.

By Song Kyung-eun and Minu Kim

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