Apple Pencil 2023 with USB-C gets new firmware and a fresh price
Apple has released a firmware update for the 2023 Apple Pencil equipped with a USB-C connector. The news surfaced through MacRumors, which notes the update is numbered 10M5164. Apple typically stays quiet about accessory firmware, so this single data point becomes the baseline for journalists covering the update. According to MacRumors, the installation of 10M5164 on the Apple Pencil could be as simple as connecting the stylus to the iPad with a dual USB-C cable.
The fall 2023 reveal introduced this USB-C version, distinguishing it from earlier models. The new pencil retains some familiar features but drops others that were present in the previous generations. In particular, the device no longer supports force-press tracking in the same way as before.
Because this Apple Pencil is presented as a more streamlined variant of the prior models, the price reflects that simplification. It currently lists at 70 dollars in the United States, with a rough equivalent around 6.3 thousand rubles based on the November 14, 2023 exchange rate. A higher price point exists for upgrades or bundles, around 130 dollars, which is about 11.7 thousand rubles at the same exchange rate. The company’s aim appears to be offering a more affordable option while maintaining core functionality.
In related tech trends, Xiaomi has recently raised prices on several of its devices, a move that analysts say pressures Apple and other premium brands to justify value to consumers. This price dynamic underscores why many customers in North America weigh feature sets, compatibility, and hardware maturity when considering a stylus upgrade.