Apple Pencil 3 will have a magnetic tip replacement feature

Back in 2021, there were some pretty convincing rumors that Apple was going to release a third-generation Apple Pencil. However, the rumors turned out to be false, as the accessory was never announced. Two years later, authoritative source Majin Bu reported that he managed to get some information about Apple Pencil 3. According to the source, the main feature of the device will be interchangeable magnetic tips.

The current first and second generations of Apple Pencil feature a replaceable lead that can be replaced if it wears out. There are also third-party nib replacement options that can change the look of content written with the Apple Pencil on the iPad. Majin Boo’s tweet says that magnetic replacement nibs for Apple Pencil 3 will offer options for drawing, technical drawing, and painting.

Magnetic replacement nibs for Apple Pencil 3 will offer options for drawing, technical drawing, and painting.

The tweet also shows three examples of what these tips might look like. The difference in tip thickness will make a difference, but there could be other differences, including the material used, which would allow for different styles depending on which of the three tips is used on the accessory at any given time. If the rumors turn out to be true, Apple will be able to quickly and easily change the nibs on the Apple Pencil 3, thanks to the use of magnets.

Magnets.

The third-generation Apple Pencil, which we’ve said was never announced by the company, was rumored to look just like the second-generation Pencil, with more precision and longer battery life. Hopefully, those two features will still show up in the next Apple Pencil. It’s also worth noting that Apple has a patent pending in 2021 for a feature that allows for interchangeable lead pads, not just replacing worn-out ones, so that raises the possibility that we’ll see what Majin Bu writes about when Apple unveils its next Pencil.

So we’ll be seeing more of what Majin Bu writes about when Apple unveils its next Pencil.

Apple has also filed a patent application for an Apple Pencil that can copy the texture and color of an object and send the data to a laptop (or iPad), where it can be used to draw on the screen using a drawing view of that texture and in the same copied color. Apple isn’t likely to release new iPad models until next year; if the Apple Pencil 3 isn’t available in time for the upcoming holiday shopping season, we should expect it to be offered in the first half of next year along with the iPad Pro (2024).

Apple Pencil 3 is not expected to be available in time for the upcoming holiday shopping season.