At the intersection of cutting-edge technology and home cleaning, Dyson has once again shaken the industry with disruptive innovation. In May 2025, the British tech company unveiled the PencilVac, dubbed the “thinnest vacuum in the world.” With an ultra-slim body just 38mm in diameter, it not only set a new record but also elevated industrial design to a new level.

Engineering Brilliance Behind the Ultra-Slim Form：

At first glance, the PencilVac barely resembles a traditional vacuum cleaner. Its 38mm cylindrical body—roughly the size of a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer—looks more like a piece of modern art. But hidden inside this slender form is a feat of engineering: Dyson’s engineers managed to integrate the motor, battery, filtration, and core components into a handle thinner than a golf club shaft.

“38mm is the golden balance between ergonomics and power density,” revealed Dyson design manager Sam Cole in an interview. Achieving this milestone required reimagining every component from scratch, including a revolutionary Hyperdymium motor. Measuring just 28mm in diameter, this mini motor spins at 140,000 rpm while delivering 55AW of suction power—an exceptional breakthrough in micro-engineering.

Four Core Technologies：

1. Fluffycone Quad-Brush System

Replacing the traditional roller brush is a set of four conical rotating brushes. Their unique shape effectively prevents long hair from tangling. In real-world tests, hair naturally slides toward the tapered end and gets suctioned away—solving a long-standing issue for many users, especially women. The slightly offset brush edges combined with a green LED dirt illumination system boost edge cleaning efficiency by 40%.

2. Air Compression Dustbin

Despite limited space, the innovative compression system increases the bin’s capacity beyond expectations. Using dual-stage centrifugal separation, dust is compacted as it enters the bin, allowing 30% more debris storage compared to conventional models. The detachable design and one-button release system also ensure hands-free disposal.

3. Ultra-Slim Body, Maximum Reach

With a lay-flat height of just 3.7 inches (about 95mm), PencilVac can glide under sofas and beds where typical vacuums struggle. A custom 270-degree swivel joint on the nozzle and a body weighing only 1.8kg make overhead cleaning—like ceiling dust removal—effortless.

4. Smart Ecosystem Integration

Debuting with the new MyDyson App, the PencilVac offers filter replacement alerts, maintenance tips, and even learns your habits to automatically optimize suction power. A magnetic charging dock doubles as storage and supports fast charging. With hot-swappable batteries, users can enjoy unlimited runtime.

Real-World Performance and Testing：

On hardwood floors, the PencilVac performed impressively—removing 99.6% of fine flour particles in a single pass. On low-pile carpets, the vacuum automatically boosts suction, though this reduces its standard 30-minute battery life to around 20 minutes. Notably, even at max power, the noise level stays under 72 decibels, equivalent to normal conversation.

Though it doesn’t include as many attachments as the Dyson V15, essentials like a crevice tool and soft dusting brush are included and can be quickly swapped using magnetic connectors. One adjustment: the center of gravity differs from traditional vacuums, requiring about 15 minutes of familiarization for first-time users.

Market Positioning and Buying Advice：

As an evolution of the Omni-glide, the PencilVac clearly targets young urban consumers. Its art-like design suits compact living spaces, while the $299 price tag for an extra battery suggests a premium positioning (industry estimates place the full unit around $799). Though it won’t hit the U.S. market until 2026, the PencilVac already signals a shift in industry standards.

Final Thoughts

The Dyson PencilVac proves that even in a mature category like vacuum cleaners, innovation is far from over. This device isn’t just a cleaning tool—it’s a masterpiece of engineering and design. For minimalist users who value both function and form, the PencilVac may well represent the future of smart home living.