Apple’s cheaper Pencil is available to buy now, but it has some limitations

The brand new USB-C Apple Pencil is now available on the market by means of Apple’s web site, with the primary shipments arriving on November 3. It seems to be like will probably be accessible in bodily shops beginning round November 8, too.

The $79 peripheral is the third Apple Pencil mannequin, however do not let that idiot you into considering it is your best option; it is the brand new cheaper, entry-level choice. The second-generation Pencil is the highest-end one, at $129.

What makes this Pencil completely different? Properly, you’ll be able to have a look at the large desk above from Apple’s web site to see the options as they examine to different fashions—or you’ll be able to learn what we wrote a few weeks in the past when it was first introduced:

It would not help strain sensitivity, a key function of the opposite two fashions. It might probably connect magnetically on its flat edge and helps hover previews just like the second-generation Pencil. Nonetheless, it might probably’t cost or pair wirelessly by way of that magnetic attachment like that mannequin can, and it would not help the double-tap gesture.

The one benefits the first-generation Pencil has over this newer, cheaper mannequin are strain sensitivity help and a Lightning port for plugging into older iPads.

The strain sensitivity is the primary factor you are shedding, and its absence is presumably the primary factor that makes it a lot cheaper than the alternate options. It is possible a more sensible choice for people who wish to write on their iPads than those that wish to enterprise into the visible arts. In any case, it is suitable with any iPad that has a USB-C port.

It makes for a complicated Pencil lineup; strive explaining to somebody who’s not following Apple or tech intently which Pencil to purchase, and it could be an train in frustration. That stated, the iPad lineup is equally convoluted at this level, so there’s that.

Itemizing picture by Apple