Apple Pencil for iPhone Ultra Was Tested
Apple has rejected the use of a specialized Apple Pencil for its upcoming foldable iPhone despite previous hardware testing. The device is expected to launch this month and will compete directly with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. While Apple is entering a period of frequent product releases across 2026 and 2027, the foldable handset will move forward without the stylus accessory. This decision follows internal evaluations regarding the safety and viability of a smaller pencil designed for the foldable form factor.
What changed
Internal reports now indicate Apple rejected the stylus idea after previous testing.
Live updates
-
Apple Rejects Stylus Support for Foldable iPhone
Apple has rejected the use of a specialized Apple Pencil for its upcoming foldable iPhone despite previous hardware testing. The device is expected to launch this month and will compete directly with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. While Apple is entering a period of frequent product releases across 2026 and 2027, the foldable handset will move forward without the stylus accessory. This decision follows internal evaluations regarding the safety and viability of a smaller pencil designed for the foldable form factor.
Why it matters
Apple is shifting away from its traditional opposition to styluses by developing a foldable phone, though it stopped short of including a pen. This occurs as Samsung moves away from S Pen support for its own foldable series. The move is part of a broader push into new form factors under a new product slate.
What is confirmed
- Apple tested a stylus for its first foldable iPhone.
- A foldable iPhone is anticipated to launch this month.
Still unconfirmed
- The foldable iPhone will cost around $2,550.
- Apple is starting its biggest run of device releases in company history through 2027.
What to watch next
- Official launch specifications for the foldable iPhone
- Confirmation of final retail pricing
- Details on the 2027 MacBook Neo updates
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.deccanchronicle.com — Apple to Kick Off Ternus Era With Its Biggest-Ever Slate of New Products
- www.macrumors.com — Apple Testing New HomePod With Siri AI
- researchsnipers.com — iPhone Fold: Apple tested a stylus but rejected the idea
- www.macrumors.com — Apple Planning to Update MacBook Neo in Three Ways
- www.ibtimes.com.au — iPhone Foldable Vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: Comparing Specs, Price And Design Ahead Of Apple's Launch This Month
-
Apple Tested Stubby Pencil for Foldable iPhone
Apple prototyped and tested a smaller, specialized Apple Pencil for its upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra. While the hardware was evaluated, design constraints and concerns over screen damage likely prevent the accessory from launching alongside the new handset next month. The planned foldable device, anticipated to cost around $2,550, represents a significant departure from historic company philosophies regarding styluses. The hardware testing occurs while rival manufacturer Samsung moves away from S Pen support on its Galaxy Z Fold series.
Why it matters
The potential inclusion of a stylus for the foldable iPhone Ultra marks a major shift from early corporate dogma, specifically recalling Steve Jobs stating that nobody wants a stylus. Integrating a stylus into a folding screen presents clear hardware challenges regarding durability. The device itself is expected to redefine the premium smartphone sector and arrive with a high price tag.
What is confirmed
- Apple tested a specialized, smaller Apple Pencil for its upcoming foldable iPhone.
- Concerns over screen damage and design constraints will likely prevent the stylus from launching alongside the foldable phone next month.
- The foldable iPhone Ultra is priced around $2,550.
Still unconfirmed
- The foldable iPhone Ultra will capture 40 percent of the global foldable market by unit volume.
- The foldable iPhone will feature a variable aperture camera, more RAM, improved battery life, and higher prices.
What to watch next
- Apple's upcoming product event on September 9 to see if the foldable iPhone Ultra or any stylus accessories are officially revealed.
- Official device specifications regarding screen protection and hardware compatibility.
- Market pricing confirmation for the foldable handset.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.cnet.com — iPhone 18: Everything We Know About Apple’s Next Handsets
- www.ibtimes.com.au — Apple Tested a Stubbier Apple Pencil for Its Foldable iPhone, but It Likely Wont Launch, Report Says
- sammyguru.com — Apple Almost Gave the iPhone Ultra the Feature Samsung Took Away
- www.news9live.com — Steve Jobs once said ‘Nobody wants a stylus’. Apple’s foldable iPhone may change that
- www.macrumors.com — iPhone Air Review: One Year With Apple's Super Thin $999 iPhone
- www.macworld.com — An iPhone Ultra stylus would be a colossal mistake
- www.phonearena.com — I am amazed how far Apple is going to hide the iPhone Ultra's shortcomings
- www.flash.gr — Foldable iPhone: Η Apple δοκίμασε Apple Pencil, αλλά μάλλον δεν θα το δούμε ποτέ
- www.linternaute.com — Meilleures tablettes tactiles 2026 : notre comparatif pour bien choisir
- www.ibtimes.com.au — Apple's first foldable iPhone, expected to be the most expensive yet, could reshape the foldable smartphone market.
- mashable.com — The best Labor Day Costco deals: Shop Dell laptops, Bose headphones, Apple iPads, and more
- www.ibtimes.com.au — (VIDEO) 10 Things To Know About Xiaomi's Upcoming 18 Fold Ahead Of Its September 7 Launch
-
Apple tested stylus for foldable iPhone Ultra but may not launch it
Apple has prototyped and tested a specialized Apple Pencil for its upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The device is described as a shorter, magnetic stylus. Despite the testing, reports indicate the accessory will not launch during the September 9 event. Some sources claim the project was abandoned due to clunky hardware and concerns over screen damage, while others suggest the feature may simply be delayed. The company is positioning the foldable iPhone to compete with Samsung's market dominance.
Why it matters
Apple has historically avoided styluses for iPhones, following Steve Jobs' 2007 assertion that users do not want them. Integrating a Pencil into a foldable device would represent a significant shift in product strategy to compete with the Samsung Note and Fold series.
What is confirmed
- Apple prototyped and tested a version of the Apple Pencil for a forthcoming foldable iPhone.
- The tested stylus was a shorter, magnetic accessory.
- The Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone will not launch on September 9.
Still unconfirmed
- Production for the iPhone Ultra will begin soon.
What to watch next
- The September 9 event for product reveals
- Official specifications for the foldable iPhone Ultra
- Confirmation of production timelines for the foldable hardware
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (16)
- MacRumors — Apple Pencil for iPhone Ultra Was Tested
- Engadget — Apple Prototyped A Stylus For The Foldable iPhone That We May Never See
- 9to5Mac — Apple reportedly considered launching a new Apple Pencil for iPhone Ultra
- PhoneArena — Secret iPhone Ultra weapon could end the Fold 8's victory lap
- Forbes — Foldable iPhone: Apple Tested New Pencil But It Won’t Launch On Sept. 9
- cultofmac.com — Why the folding iPhone won’t support Apple Pencil
- www.forbes.com — Foldable iPhone: Apple Tested New Pencil But It Won’t Launch On Sept. 9
- tbreak.com — Apple reportedly tested a shorter Apple Pencil for its foldable iPhone
- www.cnet.com — Apple Might Add a Pencil to Its First Foldable, but Don’t Expect It at Launch
- www.heise.de — iPhone Ultra: Pencil tested, but discarded
- www.techspot.com — Apple prototyped and tested a Pencil accessory for its foldable iPhone
- in.mashable.com — No Apple Pencil For iPhone Ultra? Here’s Why Apple Could Drop the Stylus