Apple is gearing up to host its ‘Surprise and Shine’ event next week. At the event, the tech giant is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Alongside the new Pro models, Apple is also expected to unveil its first foldable smartphone, reportedly dubbed the iPhone Ultra. A new report suggests that the company has experimented with an accessory for the iPhone Ultra: an Apple Pencil. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple has internally prototyped, tested and considered launching a Pencil designed specifically for its upcoming foldable iPhone.
However, Gurman says it is unlikely that Apple will launch the accessory alongside the foldable iPhone. The company’s decision would not be a surprise given Steve Jobs’ famous stance on styluses. While unveiling the original iPhone in 2007, Jobs said, “Nobody wants a stylus.”
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According to Gurman, the Pencil prototype is “stubbier” than the Apple Pencil models designed for iPads. The smaller design was reportedly created to better match the height of the foldable iPhone. Apple also tested a magnetic attachment system that would allow the Pencil to stick to the side of the phone for storage and charging, similar to how Apple Pencil models work with compatible iPads.
However, there are some practical problems with the idea. Gurman claims keeping the Apple Pencil attached to the side of the phone may become awkward if users want to unfold the device without using the accessory. Gurman further explains that the sensitive nature of the screens means stylus input could potentially leave visible marks on the delicate display.
So, Apple appears to be treating the Pencil for its foldable iPhone as an internal experiment rather than a confirmed product. The company may ultimately decide not to bring the accessory to market when the foldable iPhone launches.