With less than one hour until Apple’s “Let loose” event, As we’re leading up to Apple’s press event tomorrow, there have been several code references of an upcoming Apple Pencil model in the upcoming iPadOS 17.5 release. If you take a look at Apple’s official invite, the biggest giveaway on what Apple will announce is a new Apple Pencil. We initially expected this upcoming model to be a third-generation model; however, MacRumors dug deep into the code on Apple’s homepage in Japan and discovered references to an “Apple Pencil Pro.”
One thing to note is that this reference appears only in at least Japan, and not in the U.S.; therefore, it may just be a translation error, and Apple may pull that reference just before the event commences. Still, it does make a lot more sense for Apple to introduce an “Apple Pencil Pro.”
If you take a look at the current lineup of Apple Pencils, it consists of the following:
- 1st generation, which works with some modern iPads with a Lightning connector,
- 2nd generation, which works with all iPads with the magnetic connector on the side to charge that Pencil, and
- USB-C, which works with all iPads with a USB-C port
At first glance, the Pencil lineup is a bit convoluted to people who are looking to buy either an iPad or an Apple Pencil. By introducing and marketing the Apple Pencil Pro, Apple can further differentiate the new model from the existing ones by offering more premium features such as haptic feedback and more gestures for quick actions.
Since the second-generation Pencil is considered the highest-end model in its lineup, the upcoming Apple Pencil Pro is likely going to replace that model. Furthermore, when Apple discontinues its ninth-generation iPad and makes USB-C standard on all iPads, Apple may discontinue the original first-generation Pencil altogether, which will further simplify the lineup.
Apple’s “Let loose” event will go live on May 7 at 7 am PT. You can watch the live stream on either Apple’s website or on YouTube.
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