Apple is developing a new generation of Apple Pencil styluses, reportedly designed to comply with upcoming European Union repairability regulations. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these updated accessories are expected to debut in the spring of 2027 alongside refreshed iPad Pro models.
Redesigning for EU Compliance
The primary driver for the hardware update is Article 11 of the EU Batteries Regulation, which requires that portable batteries in consumer electronics be readily removable and replaceable by the end user during the product’s lifetime. While the regulation came into effect in 2023, it becomes legally applicable in February 2027. Current-generation Apple Pencils—including the entry-level USB-C model and the Apple Pencil Pro—are constructed with internal adhesives and are considered virtually impossible to repair. Because the batteries are not designed to be accessed or replaced, they cannot be serviced once their health degrades. Apple’s initiative to redesign these devices is part of a broader effort to align its product ecosystem with the new EU standards, which apply to a wide range of rechargeable accessories, including styluses, mice, and headphones.
Two New Models in Development
Reports indicate that Apple is working on two distinct variants of the stylus, currently identified by the codenames B582 and B632: * B582: Expected to be an updated version of the entry-level Apple Pencil featuring a USB-C port. * B632: A refreshed version of the Apple Pencil Pro, which was originally introduced in 2024 alongside the M4 iPad Pro. While specific design details remain limited, the transition to user-replaceable batteries will necessitate significant architectural changes. Current models are described as plastic unibody designs without screws or separation points. Industry observers suggest that the USB-C model, which already utilizes a sliding mechanism, may offer a more straightforward path for redesign than the solid-body Apple Pencil Pro. Potential strategies for the new designs could include reducing or eliminating the use of internal glue and utilizing the replaceable tip or other access points to reach the battery component.
Broader Context of Product Launches
The release of these styluses is part of a larger slate of hardware activity for Apple in early 2027. In addition to the new Pencils, the company is preparing to launch next-generation iPad Pro models, which are expected to feature internal upgrades, potentially utilizing M6 or M7 chips. These updates follow a period of significant hardware activity for Apple. The current Apple Pencil with USB-C was released in November 2023, while the Apple Pencil Pro arrived in May 2024. As the February 2027 deadline for the EU mandate approaches, Apple faces the challenge of adapting its compact, high-performance accessories to meet requirements that prioritize modularity and repairability over the seamless, glue-heavy designs that have characterized its recent product history.
Transitioning Retail Payment Infrastructure
Concurrent with these hardware developments, Apple is also modifying its retail operations. The company is currently phasing out specialized “Isaac” payment terminals in its stores in favor of a Tap to Pay system integrated into standard iPhones. While the transition to iPhone-based payments was initially hampered by technical limitations—specifically, difficulties processing certain metal credit cards on the iPhone 14—Apple has reportedly resolved these issues with the iPhone 16. As more retail employees are equipped with the latest devices, the company intends to eliminate external card readers entirely, allowing for transactions to be completed by tapping payment cards directly onto an employee’s iPhone.
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