Apple’s first foldable iPhone may arrive without one feature that many productivity-focused users might expect: Apple Pencil support. According to a new report, Apple explored a stylus designed for the device but decided against launching it.
The decision could shape how customers use the larger folding display. While the iPad supports Apple Pencil, Apple appears set to keep finger-based input at the center of its foldable iPhone experience.
Apple Tested a Smaller Pencil
According to the report, Apple prototyped a shorter Apple Pencil that could attach magnetically to the foldable iPhone. However, testing reportedly revealed practical problems with that approach.
The Pencil would sit along the device’s tall edge when closed. As a result, users might need to remove it before unfolding the phone. That extra step could make the accessory inconvenient during everyday use.
Moreover, Apple reportedly encountered concerns involving the folding display itself. The company feared that Pencil use could leave visible marks on the screen.
First-Generation Model Faces a Limitation
The report suggests Apple will not offer Apple Pencil compatibility on the first-generation foldable model. That limitation could matter to people hoping the larger device might replace both an iPhone and iPad mini.
For example, artists and note-takers would lose the precision and advanced drawing functions that Apple Pencil provides on compatible iPads.
However, basic third-party capacitive styluses should still work. These accessories imitate the electrical signal produced by a finger. Therefore, they can handle simple touchscreen input but offer far less precision than an Apple Pencil.
Apple Could Revisit the Idea
The reported decision does not mean Apple has abandoned stylus support forever. Future generations could adopt the technology if Apple solves the attachment and display concerns.
For now, however, buyers expecting an iPad-like drawing experience from Apple’s foldable iPhone may need to adjust their expectations. The report indicates that Apple is prioritizing a simpler design for its first entry into the foldable smartphone market.
