At $79, the new Apple Pencil is the company’s most affordable, and comes with features like tilt sensitivity and the ability to magnetically attach to the side of the iPad. To charge the new Apple Pencil, you can slide the cap on the end to reveal the USB-C port.
However, the lower price means that the third-generation Apple Pencil doesn’t have some of the great features found in the company’s other Apple Pencils, like pressure sensitivity (found in the first and second generation models) or the ability to pair and tether. You can charge wirelessly when attached magnetically to the iPad (which you can do with the second-generation model). You can see a full list of features available on each model On Apple’s website.
Although it’s Apple’s cheapest Pencil, the new model is still quite expensive for what you get. You can buy third-party pencils much cheaper and with similar features for around $20 on Amazon, and many of them seem to be well-reviewed. (Although they’re offered by brands I’ve never heard of, so actual quality may vary.)
Apple website It says the new Apple Pencil will be delivered between November 3 and 7 if you order now. I can also order it for in-store pickup, and I’ll be able to get it on November 8th.
While the new Pencil is great for those who might want it, Apple is long overdue in upgrading its iPad lineup. Unfortunately, it looks like Apple may not update any of its tablets until sometime next year.
Updated November 1, 1:50 PM ET: Added details about other options on Amazon.