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The iPhone Duo was originally intended to have its own smaller Apple Pencil, designed to attach to the hinge side. According to a new report, it never progressed beyond technical issues. What remains is the USB-C stylus, which Apple will only activate later – and apparently quite late in the year.
When Apple unveiled the first foldable iPhone on September 9th, stylus support was only mentioned in passing. Later this year, the iPhone Duo is expected to support the Apple Pencil via USB-C, on both the inner and outer displays, according to the German press release. A dedicated stylus for the device is not mentioned.
Mark Gurman describes how this came about in his Bloomberg newsletter of September 20th. At the end of August, he had already reported that Apple had tested a smaller stylus for the foldable iPhone as a prototype, but that a release was unlikely. Now he provides the reason why.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple is said to have developed a separate, smaller Apple Pencil for the iPhone Duo, which would be attached to the hinge side.
- The project reportedly failed due to technical problems before mass production could begin.
- Instead, support will be given to the Apple Pencil with USB-C – according to Apple later this year, according to reports more likely towards the end of 2026.
- Pen support is therefore not expected to be available at the sales launch on October 23rd.
- The USB-C pen costs 89 euros or 79 Swiss francs at Apple and does not respond to pressure.
A smaller pin for the hinge side
According to Gurman, stylus input was planned for the Duo from the outset, and the device was designed accordingly. However, a separate Apple Pencil was intended, smaller than the models for the iPad and attached to the hinge side of the Duo. As early as August, it was stated that the prototype would magnetically attach and charge there.
Before mass production could begin, this stylus reportedly failed due to technical problems. Apple then scrapped it and opted for the existing Apple Pencil with USB-C.
Why the activation is still taking
The USB-C stick wasn't the model the Duo was originally designed for. According to Gurman, simply enabling support isn't enough: Apple needs to release new software and conduct numerous internal tests, and this process is currently underway. Apple's statement "later this year" should be taken literally – it likely means late 2026.
According to Apple, the Apple Pencil and iPad duo will be released with iOS 27.1. The software for the stylus will follow with a later version. Currently, Apple's Apple Pencil compatibility page lists only iPads among the compatible devices.
What the Apple Pencil with USB-C can do
For the duo, Apple only mentions the Apple Pencil with USB-C. The Apple Pencil Pro, which magnetically attaches to and charges iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini, is not mentioned in the announcement. The differences between the two styluses, according to Apple's German selection page and the Swiss version, are as follows:
| Feature | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price Germany | 89 euros | 149 euros |
| Price Switzerland | 79 francs | 129 francs |
| Inclination sensitivity | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure sensitivity | no | Yes |
| Coupling and loading | via USB-C | wireless, magnetically attached to the iPad |
| Double-tap to switch tools | no | Yes |
| Location tracking in the "Find My" app | no | Yes |
| Announced for the iPhone Duo | Yes, later this year | no |
Apple only describes the magnetic attachment for the USB-C Pencil as working on the iPad side. The smaller, discontinued Pencil was intended to perform this function for the Duo. For the iPad, the choice depends on the model: the Pencil Pro is supported by the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini, but not the entry-level iPad with the A16 chip.
How reliable is the report?
Gurman relies on sources within Apple and was correct about the Duo recently: Shortly before its unveiling, he revealed the device's name and price range, as well as its support for the Apple Pencil, which Apple subsequently confirmed. This new report aligns with his account from August.
This is consistent, but not independent confirmation – both statements come from the same reporter. The report contains no description of the technical problems, no supplier information, and no supporting documentation.
Handwriting on the Duo requires patience
The iPhone Duo costs from €2,299 in Germany, with the stylus adding another €89. It offers tilt sensitivity but no pressure sensitivity – sufficient for notes and annotations in documents, but not for drawings with variable line thickness. And according to the report, the Duo won't even be able to write with the stylus at launch.
If you primarily intend to use the Duo as a digital notebook, it's worth waiting for its release before making a decision. This will allow you to test how the stylus performs on the foldable surface. Until then, one point clearly favors the iPad mini: it already works with the Apple Pencil, including the Pro model.
Would a stylus without pressure sensitivity be a selling point for you – or would you have preferred to wait for the smaller Pencil on the hinge side? Tell us in the comments what you would use the stylus for on the foldable iPhone.
