Apple once considered an Apple Pencil for its foldable iPhone, prototype reveals

Apple’s foldable iPhone may once have been designed with its own stylus, but the accessory appears unlikely to arrive alongside the phone.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman said Apple considered developing a new pen during the foldable iPhone’s development. The company has not made clear whether it plans to release the accessory later or has abandoned it.

The reported prototype would be shorter and thicker than the Apple Pencil made for the iPad. It would fit the foldable phone’s proportions and attach magnetically to its side, allowing the phone to store and charge it in a way similar to the current Apple Pencil.

The concept also presents practical concerns. A pen attached to the side could get in the way when users unfold the phone without needing it. The foldable display is sensitive, and prolonged magnetic attachment could raise concerns about leaving pressure marks or other traces. The idea also contrasts with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ past criticism of phone styluses, which he said were easy to lose and inconvenient to use.

Samsung has moved in the opposite direction. It dropped S Pen support starting with the Galaxy Z Fold7 to make its foldable phones thinner, and the Z Fold8 series continues that approach. Samsung executives have nevertheless said the feature could return if the company can add it without sacrificing a slim design.

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They are easy to lose and inconvenient to use.