Apple’s Foldable iPhone Ultra Could Get a Smaller Pencil and Take on Samsung in a New Way

Apple Pencil in a miniaturized version is being developed for use with its forthcoming foldable iPhone Ultra. This could be beneficial for writing and productivity with the huge screen inside the foldable device, but not necessarily released with the phone.

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The first folding iPhone from Apple appears to be much more than just a screen innovation. Apple is rumored to be looking for ways to use its bigger folding screen as an instrument for productive work and creativity, as well as making it compatible with a smaller Apple Pencil. Nevertheless, the latter won’t be available in time for the phone release.

As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has experimented with a digital pen designed for its future foldable iPhone that's reportedly going to be released under the iPhone Ultra name. Contrary to current models of Apple Pencil that are developed for the iPad lineup, the rumored device would reportedly be smaller.

It is especially notable since, according to reports, Apple is thinking about using a magnetic connection to fasten the Pencil to the device. The stylus could reportedly be attached to the iPhone Ultra's side where it would be stored and charged. From the theoretical point of view, such an approach would greatly simplify the accessory transportation. However, one obvious problem here is that, being attached to the side, the Pencil might interfere with the unfolding of the phone.

Apple will have to do a lot to add support for a stylus into the foldable experience. Not only will the company have to redesign the device to accommodate the new accessory but also to ensure its safe operation with the delicate inner flexible screen.

The inside screen of a foldable phone is a particular issue when it comes to working with a stylus. The screen of a regular smartphone is covered by rigid glass, whereas foldable screens use flexible screen technology and have their own durability features. Repeated pressure applied by a stylus may become another wear factor if the display and the pen were not made for each other.

This problem is solved by Samsung through the usage of an S Pen with a retractable tip in the phones where its usage is possible. Similarly, Apple may find this way out if it finally chooses to introduce Pencil to its foldable iPhone Ultra.

There is also the problem of where to place the stylus. Magnetic holder sounds convenient, however, in case of a foldable phone, it must be arranged in such a way that it does not interfere with the opening of the phone and does not affect the hinge. Hence, Apple's compact design of the Pencil may be needed just to fit into the form factors of the foldable.

Even though Gurman claims that he tested this accessory, the analyst doesn’t believe that Apple will release the Pencil together with the iPhone Ultra. In other words, customers shouldn’t think that the stylus will be one of the iPhone features at the time of launch.

This point is vital since Apple is believed to announce new generation devices during the company’s September 9 event; however, unless there is any official confirmation of Pencil compatibility, the rumored stylus should be seen as an internal prototype of the company rather than a future product to sell. As it is known, Apple tests many different devices and features which never become available for purchase.

Should Apple ever decide to introduce Pencil functionality on the iPhone, this would open up many possibilities for what one can do with this expanded screen. A phone that can open into a tablet screen is better equipped for activities like writing, annotating documents, drawing, and other exact interactions.

This may also allow Apple to differentiate its foldable phone from Samsung in another way. The whole foldable phone concept revolves around screen size, portability, and multitasking. However, the inclusion of the Pencil could make the iPhone Ultra a more work-oriented gadget.

It is quite curious how the South Korean manufacturer has done the exact opposite with its new generation of foldables. It has eliminated the possibility to use S Pen on its seventh generation of foldable phones, which means that the larger screen inside is meant for app usage, multitasking, and entertainment.

An iPhone equipped with a stylus will have its own historical importance. Steve Jobs, during his announcement of the iPhone, which took place back in 2007, was critical of smartphones' styluses, stating that one's fingers would need to control the phone.

However, the product philosophy of Apple has changed drastically from that moment on. Now the company produces different versions of its stylus, called Apple Pencil, for its iPads. Using a Pencil on a foldable iPhone with a larger screen size would not contradict the company's approach to styluses.

The main point is that an iPhone will get a stylus not only due to the fact that the screen will be larger but also will be used as a productivity tool in the opened position.

The absence of the stylus during the initial release is unlikely to deter many people from buying the new iPhone Ultra. The screen, camera, experience of using the device, performance, and foldable form itself are much more important aspects for choosing the device as the first ever foldable iPhone created by Apple.

On the other hand, those customers who have special interests regarding writing, drawing, marking documents, or doing any other precise work will probably want to wait until the announcement of Apple. In case the company decides to introduce Pencil support in the future, the new iPhone Ultra will be able to exceed ordinary foldable smartphones in terms of versatility.

As for now, the smaller Apple Pencil is a mere rumor since Apple can postpone the release, change something in its design or even give up on creating such accessory. Until the company introduces its official announcement regarding the support of Pencil, the customers shouldn't take it into account as a necessary part of the iPhone Ultra.