Hands-on with the Apple Pencil USB-C: Familiar design, magnetic integration, compatible with all USB-C iPad models

Additionally, the Pencil USB-C is also compatible with all other flat-edged iPad models such as , , . However, the pencil will not support wireless charging via magnetic attachment, requiring you to charge it via USB-C.

For initial use, you'll need to use a C-to-C cable to connect the Apple Pencil USB-C and iPad to pair the two devices together.

In terms of features, the Apple Pencil USB-C is similar to the Pencil 1 but does not support pressure sensitivity. However, based on personal experience using the Pencil 2, pressure sensitivity may not be necessary if your usage is limited to writing and sketching ideas. Particularly, I am using the GoodNotes 5 note-taking app, and when I need to change the size, I simply adjust the brush size within the application. Unless you require pressure sensitivity for drawing, it may not be essential.

Furthermore, the Apple Pencil USB-C also introduces hover functionality, allowing you to preview without needing to touch the pen, supported on the iPad Pro.

Compared to the Pencil 2, the Pencil USB-C has significantly fewer features; it lacks double-tap to switch tools, does not support magnetic wireless charging...

In terms of overall design, the Apple Pencil USB-C closely resembles the Pencil 2 with its flat edge design, familiar white color, and a small logo at the end of the pen.

A noticeable difference in the Apple Pencil USB-C is the cutout at the end of the pen, which houses the USB-C charging port. When charging is needed, simply pull the end of the pen gently to reveal the charging port. Once charged, just close the cap. This design is not new in reality, as many others in the market have adopted similar designs.

The pen tip can also be unscrewed for replacement, similar to other Pencil models.

Regarding packaging, the Apple Pencil USB-C is almost identical to both Pencil 1 and Pencil 2. The official version for the Vietnamese market even includes connection instructions on the outside of the box in both images and Vietnamese language.

In reality, the Apple Pencil USB-C seems to address the issue of the iPad Gen 10. If you didn't know, the iPad Gen 10 transitioned to using USB-C but only compatible with Pencil 1 at launch. And Pencil 1 had to charge via Lightning, so users needed additional adapters, which was quite cumbersome.

With the Apple Pencil USB-C, you can use the iPad charger to charge the pen or even draw power from the iPad itself via a C-to-C cable. While not as convenient as the Pencil 2 with magnetic charging, at least it's not as cumbersome as using the Pencil 1.

However, if you're using other flat-edged iPad models like the iPad Air, iPad Mini, or iPad Pro, you can still fully utilize the Apple Pencil USB-C for drawing, note-taking, and more... But if you have the means, my advice is you should really opt for the Apple Pencil 2. Not only does it offer more useful features, but it also features magnetic wireless charging - a fantastic feature.

When using the Apple Pencil 2, you hardly ever worry about running out of battery because typically after a few minutes to 1-2 hours of use, you'd need to take a break anyway. During this time, you just need to place the pen on the side of the iPad, and it's charging. Pairing it for the first time is also as simple as letting the pen attach to the side of the iPad.

However, if you're still using iPad models with Lightning ports, then currently, the Apple Pencil 1 remains the only choice from Apple.

Below are some additional images of the product: