Apple Developing Codenames B582 and B632 for 2027 Launch
Apple is reportedly developing two new Apple Pencil models — internally codenamed B582 and B632 — with a targeted release in the first half of 2027, according to Bloomberg. The new styluses are expected to launch alongside a refreshed iPad Pro lineup powered by either M5 or M6 chips.
- B582: A successor to the budget-friendly Apple Pencil USB-C, targeting entry-level iPad users who want core stylus functionality at a lower price point.
- B632: A refresh of the premium Apple Pencil Pro, aimed at professional creatives who rely on advanced input across compatible iPads.
Apple Pencil 3 rumors suggest both models will represent the most significant stylus update in years. The Apple Pencil Pro vs Apple Pencil USB-C divide remains central to Apple's two-tier strategy, and these successors appear to preserve that segmentation. Beyond new hardware specs, both models are expected to introduce notable internal changes — driven in part by sweeping new European regulatory requirements.
EU Battery Regulations Drive Major Hardware Redesign
A key regulatory deadline — not just a product refresh cycle — is forcing Apple to fundamentally rethink how it builds the Apple Pencil.
A primary driver behind both new models is compliance with European Union battery regulations, which mandate that consumer electronics include user-replaceable batteries. According to 9to5Mac, the 2027 Apple Pencils will feature entirely new battery systems engineered to meet these legal requirements. The rules apply broadly across the EU market, effectively compelling Apple to redesign products it sells globally rather than maintain separate regional hardware. This regulation carries real teeth — non-compliant devices face restricted market access across dozens of countries.
The shift represents a sharp break from Apple's longstanding sealed-device philosophy. As Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has noted, the current and prior Apple Pencil models are "a nightmare to repair and filled with glued-together parts — so this would be a big change." Those asking when is the new Apple Pencil coming out should understand the 2027 timeline is partly dictated by how long this engineering overhaul takes. For anyone currently wondering is Apple Pencil Pro worth it as a purchase today, that question becomes even more relevant given how dramatically the next generation may differ. The upcoming lineup — likely timed alongside a refreshed iPad Pro release — will be unlike anything Apple has shipped before in this product category.
What This Means for the Current Apple Pencil Lineup
For iPad users weighing an upgrade today, the 2027 timeline is clear: current Apple Pencil models remain the practical standard for at least the next 18–24 months.
Earlier speculation about a 2026 refresh has been largely set aside following Bloomberg's report pinning both new models to next year. The debate around Apple Pencil Pro vs Apple Pencil 2 compatibility still matters for buyers now — and Apple's official compatibility guide confirms that the current Pencil Pro and USB-C models cover the full range of modern iPad hardware through this generation.
The higher-end B632 could arrive under an "Apple Pencil 3" branding, according to MacRumors, while the timeline also aligns with next-generation iPad Pro models expected in the same window.
For now, anyone shopping for an Apple stylus shouldn't wait. The existing lineup will remain Apple's flagship offering through 2026 — making today's purchase a confident one, not a compromise.
