Apple Releases New Firmware for USB-C Apple Pencil - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Releases New Firmware for USB-C Apple Pencil

Apple today released the first firmware update for the USB-C Apple Pencil that came out last week. The new firmware has a version number of 10M5164.

Apple Pencil USB C sliding cap feature
There is no word on what features, fixes, or updates might be included in the updated firmware, and Apple does not provide release notes for ‌Apple Pencil‌ software releases.


The USB-C ‌Apple Pencil‌ is almost identical in design to the ‌Apple Pencil‌ 2, but it is shorter and has a hidden USB-C port for charging and pairing. It is not able to wirelessly charge, and it lacks some of the features available with the more expensive ‌Apple Pencil‌ models such as pressure sensitivity.


Apple does not have an established procedure for updating ‌Apple Pencil‌ hardware, but in the case of the USB-C ‌Apple Pencil‌, connecting it to an iPad with a USB-C cable and powering on the ‌iPad‌ should be enough to spur the new software to download.

Related Forum: iPad Accessories

Popular Stories

Apple Pencil USB C sliding cap feature

Two New Apple Pencils Reportedly Launching Next Year

Sunday July 12, 2026 8:45 am PDT by
Two new Apple Pencil models are in development for release alongside next-generation iPad Pro models next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Specifically, he said new versions of the lower-end Apple Pencil with a USB-C port and the higher-end Apple Pencil Pro are in the works. Apple is working to satisfy upcoming EU requirements related to making batteries more replaceable,...
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Feature

'Apple Upgrade' Program Reportedly Launching Next Week

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30 am PDT by
Apple and Klarna are partnering on a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program set to launch in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 28, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The program will allow you to finance most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, with a 24-month term for iPhones and Apple Watches and a 36-month term for iPads and Macs. Customers will be able to pay off the device early during...
iPhone 18 Pro Deep Red Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 12 New Features

Tuesday July 21, 2026 6:22 am PDT by
It is now mid-July, and that means the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now just two months away. The devices are expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but there will still be many year-over-year changes, with rumored features including a smaller Dynamic Island, 5G via satellite, and more. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, ...

Top Rated Comments

miketcool Avatar
35 months ago
Does the update increase the accuracy of a positive pregnancy result?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mectojic Avatar
35 months ago
Remember the days when you did firmware updates to your wood pencils? It was called a pencil sharpener. Really improved the functionality!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrGimper Avatar
35 months ago
Why is it being labelled Apple Pencil Gen 3 “interesting”?

It is, after all, the 3rd Gen of Apple Pencil

Would have been interesting if it had been called “Malcolm”
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
35 months ago
The release notes mistakenly briefly referenced the upcoming Pencil Pro before they got taken down




Attachment Image

Attachment Image
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
35 months ago

The new firmware has a version number of 10M5164.
M5 confirmed!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
35 months ago

Why is it being labelled Apple Pencil Gen 3 “interesting”?

It is, after all, the 3rd Gen of Apple Pencil
It’s neither an upgrade from the 1 nor the 2 (both of which have pressure sensitivity, and the 2 has wireless charging), that’s why Apple didn’t call it the 3. It’s interesting that internally they nevertheless named it that.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)