Apple has internally prototyped and tested an Apple Pencil designed for its long-rumored foldable iPhone, but the accessory is unlikely to appear when the device makes its expected debut, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman.
In his Power On newsletter, Gurman said with “zero doubt” that Apple “internally prototyped, tested and considered launching an Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone.” However, he added that it is “unlikely” the stylus will be ready in time for the device’s introduction.
The report arrives days before Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” product event on September 9, where the company is widely expected to unveil its first foldable handset alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The event will also mark the first product launch under chief executive John Ternus, who formally succeeded Tim Cook on September 1.
News Summary
- Apple prototyped a stylus specifically for its first foldable iPhone, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
- The accessory is unlikely to launch alongside the device.
- Apple is expected to unveil the foldable at its September 9 event, though the company has not confirmed the product.
- The foldable Pencil would be shorter than existing iPad models and attach magnetically to the device.
- Apple has never released a Pencil for any iPhone model.
A Shorter Pencil for a Folding Screen
If Apple does release the accessory, Gurman reported that the foldable Pencil would be “stubbier” than the versions designed for iPad. The current Apple Pencil Pro measures 6.53 inches in length. Gurman said the foldable version was designed to magnetically attach and charge on the side of the device, similar to how existing Pencils pair with iPad models.
The report also noted practical concerns that may have contributed to the decision to hold the accessory back. Gurman pointed to storage as an open question: when the foldable is opened and the user does not want the Pencil, there is no clear place to put it. There is also worry that repeated stylus use could leave marks on the foldable screen, which may be more delicate than the glass on standard iPhones and iPads.
Apple Has Avoided iPhone Styluses Since 2007
An iPhone Pencil would represent a significant shift for Apple. The company has never released a stylus for any of its iPhone models, a position that dates back to the original iPhone introduction in 2007. Then-chief executive Steve Jobs famously dismissed smartphone styluses during the keynote, saying, “Nobody wants a stylus.”
Since then, Apple has limited Pencil support to its tablet lineup. The Apple Pencil is currently compatible with the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini. The accessory charges magnetically when attached to the side of a supported tablet and offers features including pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity for shading.
Foldable iPhone Arrives Years Behind Rivals
Apple’s first foldable phone will enter a market where Samsung, Google, and Motorola have sold folding handsets for years. The device is rumored to carry the name iPhone Ultra, though Apple has not confirmed the branding. iPhone Fold has also been suggested as a possibility.
The foldable is expected to feature a book-style design with an internal display around 7.8 inches and an external cover screen of roughly 5.3 inches, according to analyst estimates. Industry observers expect a starting price above $2,000, which would make it the most expensive iPhone Apple has sold.
Other manufacturers already offer phones with integrated or optional styluses. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 6 both support the company’s S Pen, while Motorola’s Moto G Stylus 5G includes a built-in stylus that stores inside the handset.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment.