Last fall Apple launched an Apple Pencil with USB-C and a mix of features from the premium Apple Pencil 2 while holding some back to keep the price tag at $50 below the high-end model. Now the Apple Pencil Pro has arrived. Here’s how Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C, 2, and 1 compare.

The Apple Pencil lineup has expanded to include four distinct models. As the name conveys, the Pro model is the high-end. But there’s Apple Pencil USB-C which slots between 1 and 2 as a mid-tier option.

Throw in differences between compatibility and features for each model, and it takes some effort to understand what’s going on. But below we’ll solve that for you with a couple of charts.

Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C vs 2 vs 1

Features compared

This list of differentiating features and capabilities of the Apple Pencil lineup is greater than ever as the Apple Pencil Pro comes with exclusives like haptic feedback, barrel roll, squeeze, and Find My support.

Here’s how everything stacks up:

The lack of pressure sensitivity with the Apple Pencil USB-C is a bummer, but Apple is no doubt using that as an incentive for customers to upgrade to Apple Pencil Pro/2.

Compatibility

Apple Pencil USB-C works with all iPads with that port, but not all iPads work with the Apple Pencil Pro, 2, or 1:

Pricing

Apple Pencil USB-C comes in as the most affordable option at $79 ($69 for education).

Apple Pencil Pro vs USB-C, 2, and 1 conclusion

  • If you’re getting a 2024 iPad Pro or Air, you’ll need to buy the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C model
  • However, if you’ve got an iPad with USB-C and you don’t need or want all of the features of Apple Pencil 2, the Apple Pencil USB-C is a more affordable stylus.
  • Apple Pencil USB-C is a nice option for schools that want to stick with an official Apple stylus without spending $100 or more for each student (assuming they have USB-C iPads).
  • If you’ve got an M2 or older iPad Pro or M1 Air or older you can use the Apple Pencil 2.
  • What do you think? Are you excited about the Apple Pencil Pro or is the Apple Pencil USB-C or Apple Pencil 2 fine enough? Share your thoughts in the comments!

 

 

Source - 9to5Mac