It occurred, just about as we all the time knew that it could. The Apple Pencil has gone USB-C. Nevertheless it did not do it in something like the best way that we anticipated it to and that is made the present Apple Pencil lineup a complicated mess. And it did not should be this manner.
The brand new Apple Pencil (USB-C), as Apple has chosen to name, it’s cheaper than the opposite two fashions at simply $79, which is sweet. It is even higher when you think about that you simply get a few options that are not on the Apple Pencil (1st era), too. However then it will get complicated as a result of it does not have among the options which can be on the Apple Pencil (2nd era) spec sheet.
And did I point out that it does not have a USB-C connector in any respect? No, it has a USB-C port as an alternative. You plug a cable into it. Who noticed that one coming?
The Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil, or the Apple Pencil?
Certain, it is not the largest downside on the planet to have, however I preserve that Apple’s naming conventions are completely maddening and downright complicated. The gymnastics it goes by to keep away from making something sound outdated is past pointless.
We have seen all of this earlier than, after all. As a substitute of simply calling something the “no matter 2,” we now have to name it “no matter (2nd era)” and that is if we’re fortunate. There was as soon as a time when Apple simply known as the iPad Air the iPad Air, ignoring all of the iPad Airs that got here earlier than it.
There’s the AirPods, too. Now we have AirPods Professional (2nd era) and AirPods Professional (2nd era) (USB-C) which is, frankly, one thing that ought to be proven to all advertising college students as a means to not title a product. What’s improper with USB-C AirPods Professional 2, which is what all of us name them anyway?
And so, the Apple Pencil. Or the Apple Pencil. Or, if you happen to choose, you should purchase the Apple Pencil.
In actuality, that is Apple Pencil (1st era), Apple Pencil (2nd era), or Apple Pencil (USB-C). So these names, which is the very best, most premium possibility with all of the options? Is it the second era or the one with no era? What era is the USB-C Apple Pencil, anyway?
Apple Pencil 1.7
Sure, I movement that we name the brand new one the Apple Pencil 1.7. As a result of this factor has some options of the second era, however not all of them. And inexplicably drops a function from the first-generation stylus, too.
Confused but?
Apple is aware of you’ll be as a result of it put collectively a guidelines to assist. You may discover it on the firm’s web site, proper under the place you select the mannequin you wish to purchase.
The brand new Apple Pencil (USB-C) has the Apple Pencil (2nd era)’s flat facet and magnetic connectivity. Nevertheless it does not cost through that magnetic connection nor does it have double-tap controls regardless of having the magnets and flat facet that make each issues potential.
Then there’s the unusual determination to not help strain sensitivity, one thing the Apple Pencil (1st era) had. Not having all the very best options is sensible given the brand new $79 worth level. However taking options away which can be there on the Apple Pencil (1st era) mannequin? Why?
And sure. I am utilizing their Sunday names to make some extent.
Simply. Why?
Now, once more, I get it. Within the grand scheme of issues does any of this matter to me? No, and it most likely will not matter to you, both. Nevertheless it irks me as a result of it is a complicated mess that did not must occur. It was all avoidable. Simply use correct names for this stuff.
And simply because it does not matter to me, and it may not matter to you, that does not imply it is not a foul concept. As a result of somebody, someplace, has an iPad Professional 11-inch (third era) and must know whether or not they need an Apple Pencil (2nd era), Apple Pencil (1st era), or Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the actual fact I needed to write that sentence with that many parentheses is simply insane.