Apple Pencil 3 is near, according to rumors — 3 new features we're expecting

The new Apple Pencil 3 is fast approaching, according to a rumor from Mac Otakara, a Japanese blog. If this is true, it's about time. We haven't seen an update to the Apple Pencil since the release of the second-generation model in 2018.

This rumor aligns with a late September leak from popular Apple tipster Majin Bu (but keep in mind that they have a patchy track record).

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Apple Pencil 3: 3 new features we're expecting

As we recently reported, there are whispers that Apple is unleashing a slew of new iPads very soon, but Mac Otakara has a different prognostication. The Japanese tech outlet claims that, instead of iPads, we should be on the look out for a new Apple pencil.

Let's take a look at the new Apple Pencil 3 features we're expecting to see.

1. Interchangeable tips

According to Majin Bu, the new Pencil 3 will ship with three replaceable magnetic tips that will be suitable for different purposes, including technical drawing, painting, and more.

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2. USB-C

Following the steps of the iPhone 15, the new Apple Pencil 3 will reportedly have USB-C connectivity, according to a hawk-eyed discovery from MacRumors Contributing Writer Steve Moser. He spotted a code in the iOS 17.1 Beta 2 that says the following:

PENCIL_LOW_BATTERY_ALERT_MESSAGE" - "Connect to USB-C to recharge soon."

"[This suggests] that Apple may be planning an Apple Pencil 3 with USB-C charging support," Moser said in an X post.

3. Color sampling

Moser also pointed out that the new Pencil 3 is rumored to have a color sampling feature, a rumor that's based on an Apple patent. This perk lets you harness the hues of real-life objects before using them for your digital drawings. This tech will reportedly use an optical sensor and a light emitter. However, there's a chance that this concept may not manifest into reality.

I'm skeptical of Mac Otakara's claim that Apple is swapping an iPad release for an Apple Pencil 3 launch. I'm much more inclined to believe Apple analyst and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who has an accuracy track record of 87%, according to Apple Track.

He reported that new entry-level iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini models are expected to launch in the near future.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple Pencil 2