Wacom’s latest Cintiq models bring Pro Pen 3 and a slimmer design to midrange pen displays built for macOS workflows.
Wacom is launching a refreshed Cintiq line in summer 2025, introducing the Cintiq 16, Cintiq 24, and Cintiq 24 Touch. The updated models bring thinner hardware, sharper visuals, and expanded customization, marking a notable shift in Wacom’s midrange strategy.
The Cintiq line sits between Wacom’s entry-level One tablets and the high-end Cintiq Pro series, which offers 4K resolution and HDR. With this release, Wacom is signaling that professional-grade tools are now within reach for more creators.
The displays are designed to work with macOS and Windows computers, not iPads or iPhones. Users will need to install Wacom drivers on a compatible Mac to access full pen functionality, including pressure sensitivity and customization options.
Pro Pen 3 expands to broader market
For the first time, Wacom’s flagship Pro Pen 3 is available outside the Cintiq Pro and Intuos Pro lines. The pen offers higher sampling rates and refined pressure sensitivity, giving artists more precision in drawing, painting, and photo retouching.
The customizable grip design also responds to long-standing user demand for ergonomic flexibility, particularly for extended sessions.
The Pro Pen 3’s inclusion in the standard Cintiq line may prove significant for animators and motion graphic artists who depend on fluid stroke tracking and tactile feedback. An optional wood grip accessory adds a textured feel for those who prefer a natural touch.
Design cuts bulk, adds connectivity
The Cintiq 16 features a 16.0-inch display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution. The Cintiq 24 and 24 Touch use a 23.8-inch panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution. Anti-glare etched glass and direct bonding reduce visual noise and parallax between pen and screen.
At 21 millimeters thick, the redesigned Cintiq 24 is nearly half as thick as the prior 22-inch model. That reduction in depth reflects an industry-wide trend toward streamlined workspaces, particularly for hybrid and remote creatives.
The fanless design allows quiet operation in shared environments. Both sizes support USB-C, with the 16-inch model offering power delivery through a single cable.
HDMI and USB-A ports are also available, and all ports are rear-mounted for better cable organization.
Market competition and strategic timing
The launch comes as Wacom faces rising competition from alternatives like Huion and XP-Pen, which offer similar pen displays at lower prices. These rivals have gained traction among hobbyists and prosumers, especially in the wake of remote work.
Meanwhile, Apple’s iPad Pro with Apple Pencil continues to lure digital artists with high refresh rates and standalone portability.
Wacom is reinforcing its lead in pen precision by bringing Pro Pen 3 to the Cintiq line. The refresh also aims to close the gap in affordability.
The Cintiq 24 Touch adds another layer of differentiation. While pen-only models remain the norm for many artists, touch functionality supports modern creative apps that use finger gestures for navigation, zooming, and rotation.
Each display includes limited-time licenses for Clip Studio Paint EX and MASV. These tools cater to core use cases ranging from comic art to large asset delivery.
The 16-inch model targets mobile-focused creatives and students, while the 23.8-inch display provides a balance between screen real estate and desktop footprint. For digital illustrators, photo editors, and designers, the size hits a sweet spot between portability and immersion.
Pricing & Availability
Wacom has officially announced pricing for its 2025 Cintiq models, positioning them as midrange alternatives to the premium Cintiq Pro series. The Cintiq 16 is priced at $699.95, offering a 16-inch display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution.
The Cintiq 24, featuring a 23.8-inch panel at 2560 x 1440 resolution, is set at $1,299.95. For those seeking touch capabilities, the Cintiq 24 Touch is available for $1,499.95.
Wacom is positioning its new displays to cater to students, freelancers, and design professionals. The Cintiq 16, Cintiq 24, and Cintiq 24 Touch pen displays will be available in summer 2025.
