On October 17, 2023, Apple released the new Apple Pencil with a USB-C port.
I immediately got questions from my students if it works with Procreate and if they should get it.
Let’s find out!
FAQs – NEW Apple Pencil USB-C and Procreate
Yes, the NEW Apple Pencil USB-C works with Procreate. As I wrote in my post, What Stylus Works with Procreate in 2023, Procreate supports any stylus with Apple Pencil technology.
The NEW Apple Pencil USB-C is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation; iPad Pro 11-inch 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation; iPad Air 4th and 5th generation; iPad 10th generation and iPad mini 6th generation (Apple source)
The new Apple Pencil USB-C is available as of November 1st, 2023.
No, I don’t recommend that you get Apple Pencil USB-C for Procreate because it is missing the pressure sensitivity feature.
How Does the NEW Apple Pencil USB-C Compare to the other Apple Pencils?
2023 Apple Pencil (USB-C) :: Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th generation), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th, and 5th generation), iPad mini (6th generation)
💡 To compare the previous two generations of Apple Pencils, check out my post about Apple Pencil 2 vs Apple Pencil 1 for Procreate
| Feature | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil 1 | Apple Pencil USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision drawing and painting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Natural drawing and painting experience | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tilt sensitivity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pressure sensitivity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No 😱 |
| Magnetic attachment | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Wireless pairing & charging | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Hover over on iPad Pro | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Double-tap | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
As you can see in the table above, Apple Pencil USB-C comes with some cool features like USB-C charging, magnetic attachment for storage, and the hover-over feature on iPad Pro.
BUT … the new Apple Pencil USB-C is missing pressure sensitivity feature 😱
Pressure sensitivity in Procreate—or any digital art software, really—is a big deal for a few reasons:
It emulates the natural feel of traditional media, like pencils, brushes, and markers. When you press harder on the iPad, the stroke becomes bolder, just as it would on paper. Ease up on the pressure, and you’ll get a lighter, finer line.
It’s a more intuitive way to work, especially for those who have a background in traditional art.
Key Advantages of Pressure Sensitivity:
- Natural Feel: Mimics the feel of working with real art supplies.
- Dynamic Strokes: Enables a wide range of line weights and opacities within a single stroke.
- Greater Control: You can control the flow and shape of your brush with subtle hand movements.
- Efficiency: Allows for quicker, more expressive sketching and painting.
- Enhanced Detail: Easier to add fine details and subtle textures.
In my experience, using Procreate with a pressure-sensitive Apple Pencil elevates your work.
It gives you a set of nuanced tools that can adapt to your individual style. Plus, when I’m teaching on Skillshare or creating tutorials, I’ve noticed that understanding pressure sensitivity helps students grasp more advanced techniques quicker.
It’s not that you can’t create good art without it, but pressure sensitivity certainly gives you more options and a more fluid experience.
Overall, it’s one of those features that are really needed for drawing on Procreate.
Hope this answers your questions.
Happy drawing on Procreate!
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
