Apple Pencil 3: From design to specs, what to anticipate from the subsequent iPad stylus By Daniel Piper printed 15 June 23 Will it arrive this 12 months?

3 months ago 3 min read

Whereas it is undoubtably one of the crucial helpful iPad equipment on the market, the Apple Pencil 2 is beginning to look a little bit lengthy within the tooth (or nib, moderately). First launched in 2018, the second-generation stylus is sort of 5 years outdated. Rumours about an up to date Apple Pencil have been doing the rounds for some time, with loads of strange options touted.

We have introduced collectively all the important thing rumours and leaks, masking the whole lot from design to options. Should you do not fancy ready, try the most effective Apple Pencil offers obtainable now – and to seek out out which mannequin is best for you (and your iPad), check out our Apple Pencil 1 vs Apple Pencil 2 information.

Apple Pencil 3: Design

A fan-made render of an Apple Pencil with a rotating tip (Picture credit score: Sarang Sheth)

We’re not anticipating any main design modifications with the Apple Pencil 3, for the straightforward motive that, to dwell as much as its identify, it is in all probability going to proceed to resemble a pencil. That mentioned, we have heard inform that a couple of intriguing modifications may very well be coming.

One of the crucial notable rumours suggests {that a} rotating dial may very well be added to the tip of the pencil. A brand new patent found by Patently Apple and reported over at Yanko Design particulars a twisty, rotating cap for the top of Apple’s new stylus. The thought from Apple is to allow much more management over your units, and may very well be used for the likes of switching brushes.

Rumours have additionally steered {that a} long-requested black version of the Apple Pencil may very well be on the way in which, which might stand out from the bezels of the iPad itself a lot much less clearly. And unverified leaked photos have hinted at a barely shorter size, and a glossier materials.

Apple Pencil 3: Options

A product shot of the Apple Pencil 2 on a white background

Discover My assist may make the subsequent Pencil tougher to lose (Picture credit score: Apple)

Together with the aforementioned rotating tip, there are many revolutionary new options rumoured to be coming to the Apple Pencil 3. We have heard that the brand new stylus may act as a real-world eyedropper device, able to sampling colors from bodily surfaces. As noticed by PatentlyApple, a patent, catchily titled Apple Pencil with Optical Sensor For Sampling Surfaces (we’ve got a sense which may get shortened to Apple Pencil 3), describes an ‌Apple Pencil‌ with color sensors embedded within the tip itself, able to scanning each colors and textures.

One other patent suggests the Apple Pencil 3 may detect a number of gestures on the machine itself, registering swipes and squeezes (very like the AirPods Professional 2) alongside the present double-tap sensitivity used to swap instruments on the Apple Pencil 2.

And one barely duller (but additionally doubtlessly lifesaving) rumoured new function is the addition of Discover My assist. Most digital artists who work on iPad have skilled the bone-chilling terror of dropping their Apple Pencil. Optimistically, it will simply be sitting on the backside of your bag having indifferent from the machine – however the addition of location monitoring may make it lots tougher to misplace the accent.

Apple Pencil 3: Pricing and launch date

The third technology Apple Pencil has been rumoured to be arriving with the launch of each new iPad since 2021’s new iPad Professionals, however since then loads of launch home windows have come and gone. The subsequent almost certainly launch date is alongside new {hardware} at Apple’s annual September occasion the place we’re anticipating to see the iPhone 15 – however with the subsequent iPad Professional not rumoured to be dropping till 2024, it is doable we’ll have to attend till subsequent 12 months.

As for worth, once more we’ve got valuable little intel to go on right here – apart from the value of the present fashions. The primary technology Apple Pencil at the moment prices $99/£109 and the Apple Pencil 2 is $129/£139. If Apple decides to maintain the present two fashions on sale (the Apple Pencil 1 has been round since 2015), it may bump the value as much as a minimum of $150. Or, the Pencil 3 may exchange the Apple Pencil 2 at that $129 worth level.

Time will inform what’s in retailer for Apple’s stylus, however remember – there are many different choices on the market too. For our decide of the most effective, try our information to the most effective Apple Pencil alternate options.