Apple is reportedly working on two new styli models for launch alongside next year’s iPad Pro refresh. Both the Apple Pencil Pro and the entry-level Apple Pencil with USB-C are back on the drawing board, according to a reliable source of insider information.
One major reason for the redesign could be upcoming European Union rules that will require consumer electronics to use more easily replaceable batteries.
Apple Pencil Pro redux in 2027
The Apple Pencil has become an essential accessory for artists, students and professionals who use the iPad for drawing, note-taking and productivity. Any redesign would be significant because Apple updates the styli infrequently, meaning changes introduced next year could shape the iPad experience for years to come.
And, according to an unconfirmed report from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman on Sunday, a revamp is on the way for both the entry-level and the premium models.
Unfortunately, the leak did not reveal any fresh features coming to the new Apple Pencils. So whether new capabilities are on the way remains anyone’s guess.
The current Apple Pencil Pro introduced squeeze gestures, barrel roll detection, haptic feedback and Find My support in 2024, making it a substantial upgrade over previous models.
Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) serves as a more affordable option but lacks pressure sensitivity, wireless charging and several of the Pro model’s advanced features.
Next Apple Pencil models could be easier to repair
While he did not reveal specific details about Apple’s upcoming styli for 2027, Gurman speculated about EU legislation as a factor in the Apple Pencil redesigns.
“There is a lot of work going on inside Apple right now to satisfy upcoming European Union requirements around making batteries inside of consumer electronics more easily replaceable,” he wrote. “One possibility is that these Pencils will offer new battery systems. The current (and prior) Apple Pencils are a nightmare to repair and filled with glued-together parts — so this would be a big change if it happens.”
Stylus for new iPad Pro
Whatever their features, the Apple Pencil models will supposedly launch alongside an updated iPad Pro that was the subject of an earlier leak.
This tablet might launch running the next-gen Apple M6 processor, though the M7 isn’t impossible. It will likely be a “chip and ship” update, with no redesign. However, Apple might add a vapor chamber for cooling the processor.
There’s no word yet on the cost for the next-gen Apple Pencil Pro or the Apple Pencil with USB-C.
See also: iPad 12 rumors: Apple AI finally coming to affordable tablet
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 26 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That’s because he’s a “tablet first” type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don’t try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
