Apple, what are you even doing?

Whereas we have been ready for the brand new iPads to launch on Tuesday, Apple as a substitute dropped a little bit of a shock on us. As a substitute of a brand new pill, we received a brand new, cheaper stylus for the prevailing tablets.

Nicely, most of them anyway. The brand new Apple Pencil, referred to as the “Apple Pencil (USB-C),” is priced at $79, $20 lower than the first-generation mannequin and $50 lower than the second-generation mannequin. It consists of a few of the similar options as earlier fashions (together with low latency and tilt sensitivity) however can also be lacking out on strain sensitivity and wi-fi charging. It’s not suitable with the ninth technology iPad.

Backside line: The brand new Apple Pencil is not nearly as good because the second-generation Apple Pencil from 2018 and would not even have the identical options because the first-generation Apple Pencil from 2016. It is cheaper than each however not suitable with the entry-level iPad. It attaches magnetically to the aspect of the iPad for storage just like the second-generation mannequin however nonetheless requires a cable to cost. The brand new Apple Pencil (USB-C) can also be shorter than the primary and second technology fashions (6.10 inches versus 6.92 inches and 6.53 inches), and is the one mannequin with a charging port. And you may’t engrave it.

Confused but? You should be. Identical to the iPad lineup itself, buying the Apple Pencil now requires cautious examine of the comparability chart. Do you may have a tenth technology iPad? You’ll be able to’t purchase a second-gen Pencil and possibly should not purchase a first-gen Pencil, however you aren’t getting strain sensitivity with a USB-C stylus. Obtained a professional? Is strain sensitivity, wi-fi charging, and double-tap to vary instruments value $50? Do you may have an iPad with a house button? You are still caught shopping for an Apple Pencil that prices a couple of third of your machine.

Lacking the purpose

Steve Jobs famously mocked the thought of ​​a stylus in the course of the introduction of the unique iPhone, however even he would admit that it is fairly cool on the iPad. The Apple Pencil is a good enter machine that dramatically improves iPad performance, irrespective of which mannequin you may have. However selecting which one to purchase should not take various seconds.

The issue could also be with the iPad itself. The entry-level mannequin would not have a USB-C port or a flat-edged design, so it is restricted to the first-generation Pencil. The tenth technology iPad is the one mannequin with a front-facing digicam on the longer edge, in order that’s seemingly why it would not assist wi-fi charging from the 2nd technology Pencil. We’re awaiting updates for your entire iPad line over the approaching weeks and months, so it is attainable that Apple is working to simplify compatibility with upcoming updates. However why would you launch a brand new pencil now if that have been the case?

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And why does the brand new USB-C pen miss strain sensitivity, which has been a characteristic for the reason that unique pen launched in 2016? I can perceive referring double-clicking to vary instruments to the second technology Pencil, however strain sensitivity ought to be a normal characteristic. And whereas we’re on the topic, does the brand new USB-C Pen really want to assist scrolling, which is proscribed to the iPad Professional? This can be a cutting-edge characteristic in a low-quality pencil. Doesn’t make sense.

Just like the tenth technology iPad, a 3rd Apple Pencil is not vital. The unique Pencil already got here with an adapter to cost it with the tenth gen iPad and you continue to want a USB-C to USB-C cable to cost the brand new Pencil, so what will we acquire? Lower the value of the unique Apple Pencil by $20 if Apple desires a less expensive choice come the vacations and name it quits.

Selection is sweet till it turns into overwhelming, contradictory, and complicated. The iPad font is tough sufficient to determine with out additionally having to know which Apple Pencil to purchase.