Sources say Apple will release Apple Pencil 3 with a magnetic pen tip this week, rather than a new iPad

CTOnews.com Although Apple plans to release new iPad Air, iPad mini and entry-level iPad models this week, according to multiple reports, Japanese blog Mac Otakara believes that Apple is more likely to release the third generation Apple Pencil than the new iPad.

The blog claims it's not so much an update to the iPad itself as an Apple Pencil 3 with a replaceable magnetic nib.

Last month, whistleblower Majin Bu said the new Apple Pencil will have a replaceable magnetic tip for drawing, technical drawing and digital painting.

The second-generation Apple Pencil, released on October 30, 2018, has only a non-magnetic nib and can be replaced. The second-generation Apple Pencil can be magnetically attached to iPad Pro 2018 and later, iPad Air 2020 and later, and the latest iPad mini, priced at 999 yuan.

Apple is also continuing to sell first-generation Apple Pencil with Lightning connector for the 10th generation entry-level iPad and some older iPad models. Rumor has it that the Apple Pencil may soon be updated to a USB-C interface. The original Apple Pencil was released in November 2015 for $799.

CTOnews.com notes that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said today that Apple is moving ahead with the development of new iPad models, but he doesn't think the devices "will be released this month."