Apple recently announced a new addition to its lineup of styluses, the Apple Pencil. Priced at $79, this cheaper option provides iPad owners with more choices. However, the new Apple Pencil comes with compromises and limitations, making it difficult for consumers to determine which one is the best fit for their needs.
On the positive side, the new Apple Pencil can be magnetically attached to the side of the iPad, eliminating the need to plug it directly into the charging port for power. It also supports the hover feature on the newest Pro models, which displays the location of the Pencil before it touches the screen. These features are undoubtedly beneficial for iPad users.
However, there are some strange omissions in this new model. One major feature removed from the new Apple Pencil is pressure sensitivity, which is available in both existing Apple Pencils. Furthermore, although it attaches magnetically to the iPad, like the second-generation Pencil, the new USB-C Pencil cannot charge or pair wirelessly without a wire. Additionally, it lacks the double tap feature that allows users to switch between tools. While this feature has been inconsistent and frustrating for some users, its absence in the new Apple Pencil disappoints those who rely on it.
The new Apple Pencil, at first glance, may seem appealing due to its lower price tag compared to other models. However, its position in Apple’s lineup is confusing. It is not compatible with the cheapest iPad model, which still uses a Lightning port. So, the question arises as to who would benefit from purchasing this particular Pencil instead. It may be suitable for the 10th-generation iPad priced at $449, which only supported the first-gen Apple Pencil with a Lightning port until now. However, this iPad model lacks certain features and is more expensive than the entry-level version.
For users of higher-end iPads, the new Apple Pencil falls short in terms of advanced features. It lacks the convenience of wireless charging and pairing, which the second-generation Pencil offers. These features make the second-gen Pencil hassle-free and always ready to use. Additionally, the removal of pressure sensitivity is a significant setback, especially for artists who rely on this feature for their creative work.
The decision to exclude certain features from the new Apple Pencil may be more about market differentiation rather than cost-cutting. Many users, like myself, would willingly trade pressure sensitivity and the double tap feature for the convenience of wireless charging. Apple likely anticipates the same from its customers. However, without these features, the new Apple Pencil doesn’t offer much more than cheaper alternatives, such as the USB-C Logitech Crayon or magnetic Pencil knock-offs available at lower prices.
Adding to the confusion surrounding the Apple Pencil is the current state of the iPad lineup. While iPhones are relatively straightforward, with the cheaper models differing primarily in size and minor hardware features, iPads vary significantly in design and functionality. The cheaper iPad models have an outdated design and lack essential features, while the more advanced models come with higher price tags. This lack of consistency makes it difficult for consumers to make an informed decision.
Perhaps this new Apple Pencil is a step towards improvement. If Apple discontinues the cheapest iPad model and lowers the price of the next entry-level model with USB-C, the lineup would become clearer. Users would still have to sacrifice some of the best features and consider alternatives, but Apple would be offering a more logical choice between budget and full-featured options. Currently, purchasing an Apple Pencil requires careful consideration and a complex decision-making process, which does not benefit consumers.