The idea of using a stylus with a smartphone is not new, but bringing that concept to a folding device introduces unique design hurdles. As the tech community prepares for the first foldable smartphone from Apple, new details reveal the company tested a custom stylus specifically for the device. While a new Apple Pencil designed for the upcoming iPhone Ultra reached the testing phase, it appears the company ultimately decided against releasing it to the public.
Hardware flaws stopped the folding phone stylus from launching
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple developers experimented with a stubbier version of the Apple Pencil. This shorter length was necessary to match the smaller footprint of the foldable device. Like the tablet versions, this prototype attached magnetically to the side of the hardware for storage and charging.
The design quickly ran into practical problems. Storing the stylus on the side of a phone makes the device awkward to hold during regular use. Tablet users avoid this because the accessory rests on the top edge when held horizontally, but a phone is almost always gripped vertically.
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There were also concerns about screen durability. The inner display of a folding phone requires flexible materials that are much softer than traditional glass. Engineers worried the accessory would leave marks or dents on the delicate folding screen of the iPhone Ultra.
Ultimately, the company chose to shelve the idea rather than compromise the core hardware. A folding screen is already a massive shift in how people interact with their phones. Pushing a flawed accessory alongside it would only create friction. The focus remains on getting the primary folding experience right, leaving the stylus firmly in tablet territory.
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