Apple launched a new stylus yesterday. The company is pushing it as an affordable alternative to the second generation Apple Pencil. However, in typical Apple fashion, the latest stylus – called the Apple Pencil (USB-C) – still isn’t the most affordable option for your slate. Actually, far from it.
But it ultimately addresses an embarrassing product mistake that crippled the original Apple Pencil functionally and made it a laughingstock even from a design perspective. I won’t say much and will just get to the point with this beautiful image:
Plus, when the original Apple Pencil ran out of juice, you had to push its Lightning connector inside the iPad’s Lightning port. it was Bad, But then it got worse!
With the introduction of iPads with USB-C ports, stylus fans had to spend a few extra dollars to purchase an adapter – something that became infamous with the iPad 10th generation. In short, it was the opposite of convenient. And it looked even worse, as you can see in the image below:
Apple solved the problem by adding magnetic charging to the second generation Apple Pencil, ensuring that it never runs out of charge because it’s always on top of your iPad. But then, at $129, it was a pretty hefty price for a stylus. This is where the Apple Pencil (USB-C) comes into the picture.
It costs $79, attaches magnetically to any iPad, and features a USB-C port for charging. You no longer have to plug it directly into the iPad or power port. As long as you have a USB-C cable, you can use it.
Despite the design being similar to the second generation Apple Pencil, Apple omitted magnetic charging on it to justify the lower cost. But it is also a blessing in disguise. Compared with the magnetic charging strip, the charging system supported by the USB-C port is less sophisticated and delicate.
Yes, Apple also eliminated pressure sensitivity from the Apple Pencil (USB-C), which is either an unforgivable omission or an acceptable omission, depending on who you ask. For a serious graphics designer, this is simply a sin. For an average person who mostly does note taking or video editing, pressure sensitivity isn’t necessary.
It’s in a different Apple league
But let’s look at the alternatives. logitech crayon It’s still limited to the Lightning standard and doesn’t come with Apple Care+ coverage that lets you get battery replacement (and repair) benefits for $29. It costs $69, which is only $10 less than the Apple Pencil (USB-C), but it lacks pressure sensitivity. And since it doesn’t magnetically stick to the iPad, you have to be careful not to misplace it.
Another powerful option is the Zagg Pro Stylus 2. It magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad, charges via a USB-C port, supports tilt detection and palm rejection, comes in a bunch of nice colors, and even has Qi wireless charging. Also supports. , But for the same $79, it lasts about half as long as Apple’s stylus.
One might ask: is the Apple Pencil (USB-C) the answer to all our prayers from a functional and financial standpoint? no way. After all, if your only concern is note-taking, the $10 Adonit Stylus is more than adequate for the task. So, why choose the new Apple Stylus, which costs seven times more?
Well, it offers the best pixel-level accuracy you can get on an iPad, fantastic tilt sensitivity, a neat magnetically attached design, hover support for the M2 iPad Pro models, and a USB-C for charging. Ports – All while cutting features that only a creative person would want. But above all, it offers the quality assurance and promise of in-house longevity that only an Apple stylus can provide.
I’d go as far as calling it a glorified Apple Pencil 2 SE, just like the iPhone SE. It is more than a stopgap solution. It corrects the flaw that made Apple the laughing stock of industrial design and strikes about the right balance between price and benefits as per Apple product standards.