The just-launched Apple Pencil includes USB-C charging, making it easy to use with the budget iPad. While top quality, the new model doesn’t have all the features of Apple Pencil 2 but costs $50 less.
I tested the stylus with my iPad and found reasons to like it even more than the premium version.
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USB-C Apple Pencil review
To be clear, you do not need a stylus to use an iPad. It’s designed for fingertip control, and does so brilliantly. But a stylus makes drawing on the tablet much easier — otherwise, it’s too much like fingerpainting. And you really need one to handwrite text.
While there are loads of third-party styli on the market, Apple Pencil is the go-to option for many shoppers. With the Apple name on it, you know it’s high-quality.
The new version is the first in the line with a USB-C port. It’s really intended for use with the entry-level iPad 10, but the user of any recent iPad with a USB-C port can take advantage of it. Just be aware that doesn’t have all the features of Apple’s premium stylus.
Which brings up an important point: This new stylus is not Apple Pencil 3. It’s a cheaper alternative that’s likely to replace the old Apple Pencil 1.
This is the Apple Pencil for the rest of us! In some ways, Apple's new budget Pencil is better than the more expensive premium version, which is aimed at serious digital artists. If you need a capable stylus for handwriting and sketching, this is the one for you.
- Pairs and charges via USB-C
- Attaches magnetically
- Pixel-perfect precision with low latency
- Works with most newer iPads.
Table of contents: USB-C Apple Pencil review
- A high-end stylus
- A tip-top writing and drawing experience
- Easy charging and pairing
- USB-C Apple Pencil final thoughts
- Pricing
A high-end stylus
At first glance, the USB-C Apple Pencil looks like the earlier models. It’s made of bright white plastic and is 6.10 inches (155 mm) long. The barrel is 0.35 inches (8.9 mm) in diameter. The stylus weighs in at 0.72 ounces (20.5 grams).
What those numbers mean in real life is that the Pencil is comfortable to hold and use. It sits nicely in my hand, and drawing on the screen is a breeze.
There’s a small writing tip for accurate writing or drawing. This is slightly soft, so it feels more natural to write or draw with, and also so it doesn’t scratch your screen. Just be aware that it will wear out eventually. (Replacements cost $19 for a four-pack.)
One edge of the new, lower-priced Apple Pencil is flat, and magnets allow it to cling to the edge of all recent iPad models. The connection is firm enough to walk around your office or home with the two connected. Don’t count on it on the subway, though. Unlike the Pencil 2, the stylus does not charge this way, though (more on this later.)
And while we’re on the topic, another cool feature of Apple Pencil 2 is a touch-sensitive virtual button. The just-launched budget version does not come with this feature.
A tip-top writing and drawing experience
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Tapping out emails on the iPad screen with your fingertips is one option, but Scribble is another. Just handwrite what you want to enter, and this system built into iPadOS converts it to text. Writing this way takes some practice but after a while, it becomes second nature. It’s at least as easy as pecking out words with an on-screen keyboard.
The system uses AI to recognize your bad handwriting and make it into readable words, punctuation and sentences.
I wrote a significant chunk of this review using the Apple Pencil and Scribble. Naturally, this isn’t as fast as using an external, physical keyboard. But that’s often not an option when using an iPad.
And entering text isn’t the only option for stylus users. You can mix in drawings, too. Which is probably why you’re interested in a stylus in the first place.
Performance with the new Pencil is all you could hope for. Your iPad will immediately display the lines you draw just where you put them. There’s no skipping.
Shhhh. I’ll let you in on a secret: The same is true for every iPad active stylus. That’s because virtually all of the work is done by the tablet, not the stylus. Apple’s offering isn’t better at writing and drawing than third-party options because they all work very well. You may prefer Apple’s product because you trust the company more — just don’t expect using the stylus to be noticeably different.
Tilt detection but no pressure sensitivity
Still, artists need to note that the USB-C Apple Pencil does not include pressure sensitivity. Lines come out the same size whether you press down hard or use a light touch.
However, the stylus does support tilt detection. Some drawing apps will be able to tell the angle of the writing tip. Straight up gets you a narrow line, but lean the stylus more to the side and the line gets thicker.
And it supports Hover on recent iPad Pro models. Simply place the tip of the stylus near the display for a preview of what is about to change before it actually makes a mark.
Easy charging and pairing
Photo: Apple
The USB-C Apple Pencil is what’s called an active stylus. This type can have a nice, narrow tip for easier writing and drawing but some power is required. That means it needs a battery that must be kept charged.
And, not surprisingly, an active stylus like this one has to be activated to work. There’s no button to press — my testing shows that simply picking up the stylus is all that’s necessary to wake it up every time. And it automatically deactivates itself if you don’t use it for a few minutes.
While keeping accessories charged can be a hassle, you won’t need to worry about this one very often. In my testing, an hour of writing dropped the battery level a mere 4%. You can expect days of heavy use before needing to think about powering it back up.
When the time comes, pull on the blunt end of the Pencil to expose its charging port, then plug in a USB-C cable. Apple does not include the necessary cable with the product, but you can use the one that came with your iPad.
Speaking of which, you can charge the new Apple stylus directly from your iPad. And you’ll need to connect the two via a cable at least once to Bluetooth pair them. Mostly what pairing does is allow the iPad’s battery widget to display the remaining charge in the Apple Pencil.
In my testing, 10 minutes of charging from my iPad Pro raised the Pencil’s battery level by 12%. So if you accidentally let it run down, you can replenish it quickly.
Or you can send power to the accessory from any charger and USB-C cable, like the ones you use for your Mac.
USB-C Apple Pencil final thoughts
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Most iPad users don’t need an Apple Pencil 2. It’s a brilliant iPad stylus but offers features unnecessary for writing or sketching. This premium version of the product is more for artists.
Apple’s new model costs a whole lot less. It does the basic jobs of a stylus as well as its more expensive sibling, making it well-suited for students and businesspeople. And its long battery life is a bonus.
★★★★☆
The USB-C version of the Apple Pencil lacks pressure sensitivity, and can’t draw power from an iPad’s wireless charger. That latter feature is available in third-party styluses priced about the same.
Pricing
Speaking of price, Apple’s new USB-C Pencil costs $79, or $69 through the education market.
Buy it from: Amazon or Best Buy.
For comparison, Apple Pencil 2 costs $129 and Apple Pencil 1 goes for $99.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Just be aware, there are many iPad styluses available that aren’t made by Apple. That includes the recently launched Zagg Pro Stylus 2 ($79.99), which has most of the features of Apple Pencil 2 and a few it doesn’t. Or there’s the Logitech Crayon ($69.95), a rugged stylus designed for children. And there are many more.
This is the Apple Pencil for the rest of us! In some ways, Apple's new budget Pencil is better than the more expensive premium version, which is aimed at serious digital artists. If you need a capable stylus for handwriting and sketching, this is the one for you.
- Pairs and charges via USB-C
- Attaches magnetically
- Pixel-perfect precision with low latency
- Works with most newer iPads.
Apple did not provide Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
