Evaluation of Apple Pencil (USB-C): Is it easy to use?

Apple’s latest $79 Apple Pencil (USB-C) is an affordable choice for iPad users. It inherits the flat design of the second-generation Apple Pencil, which sells for $129, and can be magnetically attached to the iPad for easy portability. However, to keep the price down, Apple removed some key features like pressure sensitivity and wireless charging. Still, if you just need a basic writing instrument, the USB-C Pencil is a great choice. It still has a premium writing experience and a precise nib that will satisfy most users. However, for artists and creators, they may want more features and higher performance. Therefore, they should consider purchasing the second-generation Apple Pencil, which has pressure sensitivity and wireless charging capabilities to better meet their creative needs. All in all, the USB-C Pencil is a good value for money option for the average user. But for those users who have higher requirements for creation and art, the second-generation Apple Pencil is a better choice because it has more functions and performance. Therefore, it is most important to make a choice based on personal needs.

Pros

The most affordable Apple Pencil
Charges via USB-C
Easy to hold and use
Supports hover on iPad Pro

A Slightly Different Design

The first-generation Apple Pencil ($99) was an odd duck. You can charge it by plugging one end into the Lightning port on older iPads or plugging in a cable via a dual-reverse adapter. It's also perfectly round and smooth, which makes it difficult to hold, and it doesn't attach or store inside the iPad itself, which makes it too easy to forget or lose.

Apple has greatly improved everything with the second-generation Pencil. The updated design magnetically attaches to a compatible iPad, wirelessly charges, auto-pairs, features flat edges for improved usability, and resolves many of the first-generation issues.

The Apple Pencil USB-C is a hybrid of the two.

It is made of a similar plastic material to the second generation pencil and has a similar shape with one flat side. It measures 6.10 inches by 0.35 inches (HW) and weighs 0.72 ounces. It is shorter than its predecessor, which measured 6.92 inches (first generation) and 6.52 inches (second generation). If you think the other two are too long, the shorter length will definitely appeal to you. The matte finish and flat edges contribute to general usability. I had no issues holding or using the Apple Pencil for long periods of time. It has a pleasant weight and is clearly crafted with care.

The flat side magnetically attaches to iPads that also have flat sides, including the current Pro, Air, mini and base models. The new Apple Pencil doesn't charge wirelessly when attached to the side of the iPad, like the second-generation Pencil did. Instead, you have to connect the Pencil to a USB-C cable (hence the name). To do this, you slide the end cap up to reveal the hidden USB-C port (which faces the side). It looks awkward while charging, but it works.

Apple Pencil connects to iPad via Bluetooth. To do the initial pairing, though, you'll have to find a USB-C to USB-C cable (Apple doesn't include one in the box), plug your stylus into one end of the cable, and then plug the other end into your USB-C-equipped device iPad. It's not the most intuitive way of doing things, but at least this also charges the Pencil. However, due to the sideways nature of the charging cable, I found it awkward to use a pencil while plugging it in and charging. (If you want to convert your existing first-generation Apple Pencil to USB-C, Apple sells an adapter for $9.)

Apple has not provided information on Apple Pencil battery life or Any guide on charging times. I found that it lasted for several days when used for a few hours a day. You can keep tabs on your remaining battery life by viewing it in the battery widget or the Apple Pencil settings screen. The great thing about the second-generation Pencil is that you can also charge it by placing it on the edge of your iPad, so it's always ready to go. Even when connected to an iPad, the Pencil loses power after a few days. In testing, a full charge took about 60 minutes when plugged into an iPad and about 40 minutes when plugged into an Apple 20W charging brick.

Pencils are shipped from the factory with one nib and a spare nib preinstalled in case the first nib is lost or worn. They are quite basic. Apple sells replacements in packs of four for $19, but replacements are also widely available from third parties.

The Pencil still doesn't support Apple's Find My network, which means if you lose it, it's gone.

What can the USB-C Apple Pencil do?

The USB-C Apple Pencil has a variety of features that cover the functions of the first two Apple Pencils. Like its predecessor, the stylus is precise, instantly interacts with the display, and supports tilt sensitivity for drawing and other effects.

In this regard, Pencil simply excels. As the tip slides across the glass, it feels more like using a pen than a pencil, but you won't find a better experience on a modern tablet. It's accurate to the pixel.

USB-C Pencil supports hover functionality on Apple’s 2022 iPad Pro tablets. Hover is great because it shows you exactly where the pencil will write or draw on the screen before you touch the tip to the glass. You just hold it a few millimeters above the screen and you'll see where it will mark.

One important feature is missing: pressure sensitivity. Both of the previous pencils support multiple levels of pressure for a more natural response to drawing or writing. For example, pressing harder will produce thicker lines, while pressing lightly will produce thinner lines. The USB-C Pencil is not pressure sensitive and creates even marks while writing or drawing. That's not necessarily a bad thing if you plan on using it as a mouse, pointer, or simple writing instrument, but artists would definitely be better off with another Apple Pencil for that reason alone.

Also, it doesn't support the valuable double-click functionality for switching between tools. The second generation pencil allows you to switch between your favorite writing utensil, eraser and more. This is key if you're drawing something and want to quickly undo or erase lines or marks.

In addition to these physical properties, Apple Pencil works with all the apps available on iPad, including core creative apps like Autodesk, Evernote, Freeform, Illustrator, Photoshop and Procreate. It's also great for apps like GarageBand or iMovie when you're performing tasks like managing multiple tracks or audio and video sources.

Apple's Best Basic Stylus

The $79 USB-C Pencil is the most affordable stylus Apple has ever made, but it loses some of its core in order to hit a lower price point Function. We like its accuracy, speed, hover support, and ability to charge via industry-standard USB-C. However, it lacks pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, and easy tool replacement—all features that would make it great for creators. If you're looking for a simple input tool for basic writing, the USB-C Apple Pencil is a great choice and easy to recommend. But artists who need advanced tools are better off with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which remains our Editors' Choice winner despite its price tag.

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