Apple’s first foldable iPhone will support an Apple Pencil, but the feature will not be ready on launch day. Apple says the USB-C Apple Pencil will work with both the inner and outer displays later this year. MacRumors adds that the supported model is the USB-C version rather than the Apple Pencil Pro.
That gives the iPhone Duo a use case that sits between a phone and a small tablet. The 7.6-inch inner display can be used for notes, sketches and document markups when the phone is open. The outer display remains available when a user wants to make a quick annotation without unfolding the device.
Apple’s announcement does not describe a special Duo-only stylus. It specifically names the Apple Pencil with USB-C. MacRumors reports that this model connects through its USB-C port and does not include some of the Pencil Pro’s features, such as pressure sensitivity, double-tap controls, barrel roll, haptic feedback, squeeze or Find My.
The USB-C model does support tilt sensitivity, according to MacRumors. That distinction is important for customers who already own Apple’s higher-end stylus. Apple Pencil Pro support should not be assumed simply because the Duo supports an Apple Pencil.
Apple has not given a precise public date for the feature. The company says it is coming later this year, so the launch software will not provide the full stylus experience shown in the product announcement. Owners will also need the required software update when support arrives.
The move expands the role of a foldable screen without turning the iPhone into a separate iPad. Notes and markup are the clearest examples Apple gives. Other apps may add their own uses after the public software support and developer testing are available.
Preorders for iPhone Duo begin October 16, and Apple says availability begins October 23. The phone starts at $1,999. Buyers considering the device for stylus work should treat Apple Pencil support as a later feature and check the exact accessory requirement before purchasing.
