iPhone Duo: Apple scrapped plans for a dedicated stylus
The foldable iPhone Duo is expected to gain Apple Pencil support by the end of this year, but not sooner. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple originally intended to launch a dedicated stylus designed specifically for the Duo, but the project was scrapped due to technical hurdles that could not be resolved before mass production began.
Pivoting to existing accessories
Rather than introducing a new hardware category, Apple has opted to support existing peripherals. The iPhone Duo is expected to support the Apple Pencil (USB-C model). This aligns with previous rumors suggesting Apple was working on a shorter, specialized stylus that could magnetically attach to the device's hinge, similar to how current iPad accessories function.
However, users should note the functional trade-offs. Compared to the Apple Pencil Pro (2nd generation), the USB-C version lacks pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, rotation support, haptic feedback, and Find My integration. The current retail price for the USB-C model is €89.
Implementation delays
Implementing stylus support for a foldable form factor is proving to be a complex task. According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently undergoing extensive internal validation and testing to ensure the accessory works seamlessly across the Duo's dual screens. Consequently, the software update enabling this feature is not expected until late 2026.
For early adopters, this means that those purchasing the iPhone Duo in October will not be able to use an Apple Pencil immediately upon unboxing; they will have to wait for the upcoming firmware update. It remains unclear whether Apple will revisit the idea of a dedicated, custom-designed stylus for future iterations of the device.
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