Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Apple Considered Smaller Pencil for Foldable iPhone Ultra
Apple reportedly thought about making a smaller Apple Pencil for its upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra.
The Pencil would have been shorter than the versions made for iPads.
It could have attached to the side of the phone using magnets.
The magnets might also have charged the Pencil.
Designers had trouble deciding where the Pencil should go and how easy it would be to use.
Carrying it with the phone could also put extra strain on the phone’s folding hinge.
Apple has usually kept the Pencil for iPads instead of iPhones.
The report says the smaller Pencil might never be released, although Apple could revisit the idea later.
Apple reportedly considered a shorter Apple Pencil designed for the foldable iPhone Ultra.
The stylus could have attached magnetically to the phone’s side for storage and charging.
Designers reportedly faced challenges involving placement, usability, and the phone’s hinge.
Adding the Pencil could have created extra mechanical fatigue for the foldable smartphone hinge.
The accessory may not launch, though a similar product could be considered in the future.
- Who
- Apple reportedly considered the accessory, with details revealed by Mark Gurman.
- What
- A shorter Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone Ultra was reportedly considered but may not launch.
- When
- During the design phase of the iPhone Ultra; the article says the foldable iPhone was expected to debut within a week.
- Where
- The Pencil was reportedly intended to attach to the side of the iPhone Ultra.
- Why
- Apple considered it as a stylus companion for the smaller foldable phone, but placement, usability, and hinge-fatigue concerns complicated the design.
Case for the iPhone Pencil
Case against the iPhone Pencil
Product usefulness
Case for the iPhone Pencil
A smaller stylus could give iPhone Ultra users a tool for drawing, note-taking, and other creative tasks.
Case against the iPhone Pencil
Apple has historically kept the Pencil away from the iPhone and has questioned the need for an iPhone stylus.
Practical design
Case for the iPhone Pencil
Magnetic attachment could provide a way to store and charge the Pencil alongside the phone.
Case against the iPhone Pencil
Side placement could be difficult to use, and carrying the accessory could add mechanical fatigue to the foldable phone’s hinge.
- Reported product
- A smaller, stubbier Apple Pencil intended for the iPhone Ultra
- Attachment
- The Pencil could have magnetically attached to the phone’s side
- Charging
- The magnetic attachment was reportedly intended to support charging
- Design concerns
- Placement and usability were reportedly challenging
- Mechanical concern
- The accessory could have caused extra fatigue for the smartphone hinge
- Current status
- The Pencil may not reach the market
- Existing association
- Apple Pencil models have largely been associated with the iPad