Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone has fueled hopes of a pocket-sized device that opens up to an iPad Mini-sized screen. But Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple Pencil support won’t be part of the package, at least not right away.
Gurman reports that while Apple has internally prototyped a stylus designed specifically for the folding device, it is currently unlikely to ship alongside the hardware.
The prototype stylus is described as shorter and “stubbier” than the current iPad versions. Apple reportedly designed the accessory to magnetically attach to the side of the phone for charging, mirroring the functionality of the existing Apple Pencil lineup with the iPad.
A prototype reportedly already exists, but Apple isn’t expected to announce the accessory alongside the foldable iPhone. Gurman says it’s unlikely to launch when the device does.
Several technical hurdles stand in the way of stylus support on a folding display. Internal screens on foldable phones are typically more susceptible to dents and scratches than standard glass displays, making the use of a hard-tipped stylus risky without significant advances in display durability.
Additionally, relying on a magnetic connection for a stylus attached to a device that is repeatedly taken in and out of a pocket could prove frustrating in day-to-day use. This design contrasts with competing devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S Ultra line, which historically stores the S Pen stylus internally within a silo when not in use.
While the accessory may not debut with the first-generation folding iPhone, the existence of the prototype suggests Apple is actively exploring how to bridge the gap between its tablet and phone ecosystems. For now, consumers will have to wait for Apple’s upcoming September 9 launch event to see what the company officially has in store.
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