Bloomberg reporter Mark Garman reports in his newsletter “Power On” that Apple is developing an Apple Pencil that is compatible with the foldable iPhone.
However, it is unlikely that it will appear at the same time as the rumored folding iPhone that will be announced next month, and it seems that it is currently in the prototype stage.
Prototype of foldable Pencil for iPhone
According to information obtained by Garman, the prototype Apple Pencil for foldable iPhones has the following features:
- Shorter than Apple Pencil for iPad to fit foldable iPhone
- Compatible with wireless charging by magnetic adsorption
- Issues include storage efficiency and mechanisms to prevent scratches on the display.
It seems that they are considering improving portability by making it smaller to match the size of the folding iPhone.
iPad-like usability on the main screen
If an Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone becomes a reality, it will likely be used primarily on the main display, which is rumored to be approximately 7.8 inches.
The main display of the foldable iPhone is said to be close to the iPad mini in size and aspect ratio. Therefore, it is expected to be used for purposes similar to those used with Apple Pencil on the iPad mini, such as taking notes, handwriting input, writing on photos, and creating illustrations.
If the foldable iPhone supports iPad-like multitasking functions, the addition of Apple Pencil will likely further strengthen its character as a hybrid device located between the iPhone and iPad.
Is the Pencil itself also smaller?
The foldable Apple Pencil for iPhone is said to be shorter than the model for iPad. If the thickness can be reduced to match the body size, portability will further increase.
However, where to store your pens is a big problem. Providing storage space for a folding iPhone would be impractical given its thin body.
If you attach it to the outside of the main unit using magnetic adsorption, you won’t need storage space, but you will likely need a mechanism to prevent it from coming off while being carried.
Galaxy Z Fold no longer supports S Pen
When it comes to styluses for foldable smartphones, Samsung led the way with the Galaxy Z Fold series. Galaxy Z Fold3 to Galaxy Z Fold6 were compatible with S Pen, but S Pen support has been discontinued in the thinner Galaxy Z Fold7.
The latest Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra also don’t support S Pen. According to Samsung’s official compatibility chart, Fold7, Fold8, and Fold8 Ultra are all incompatible with S Pen.
In order to support stylus input, a special structure is required on the display side, which makes it difficult to achieve both slimness and thickness. Additionally, foldable displays have a softer surface than typical smartphones, so measures must be taken against scratches and pressure from pen tips.
It will be interesting to see how Apple resolves these issues.
It seems unlikely that it will be released at the same time as the first model.
If the Apple Pencil reported this time is still in the prototype stage, it seems unlikely that it will be commercialized at the same time as the first-generation foldable iPhone, which is expected to be announced next month.
However, if the development of a dedicated Apple Pencil itself is progressing, there is still room for official support in future models.
It is rumored that the foldable iPhone will be a product that can be used as an iPhone when closed and with a screen size similar to iPad mini when unfolded. If it becomes possible to use the Apple Pencil, it is expected that the product will evolve into a product that can be used as both an iPhone and a small iPad.
Rumor has it that the screen will be larger in the third generation model
The second generation of the foldable iPhone is planned to be released in 2027, and the third generation model as early as 2028. In the third generation, both the main display and sub-display are expected to be slightly larger than the first model.
There is a possibility that features rumored to be missed in the first model, such as a telephoto camera and LiDAR scanner, may be added in future generations, so we can expect foldable iPhones to expand in functionality with each generation.
Source: Power On/Bloomberg
Photo: Canoopsy (@Canoopsy)/X
Source: iPhone Mania
