According to analyst Mark Gurman, as reported by the media agency Bloomberg and relayed by RBC-Ukraine, Apple has created and tested a modified version of the Apple Pencil stylus designed for the company's first foldable smartphone. Apple even considered putting it into mass production, but technical difficulties make the accessory's launch alongside the first flexible iPhone highly uncertain. The prototype, judging by available descriptions, differs noticeably from the familiar models that users hold in their hands alongside iPad tablets.
How the stylus prototype is designed
According to the description, the sample produced is shorter and thicker than current Apple Pencil models. The key difference is the method of attachment and charging: the prototype is fixed to the side edge of the foldable smartphone, where it is stored and charged. According to NotebookCheck, this is a magnetic attachment, which logically fits into Apple's accessory ecosystem. This approach means you don't have to carry the stylus separately and always have it within reach, but at the same time it gives rise to a number of operational problems.
Technical problems and risk to the screen
The main difficulty is related to the stylus's placement on the side edge: when a user opens the device without intending to use the accessory, its presence is inconvenient. A more serious issue concerns the display — flexible screens have a more fragile coating, and the stylus can leave noticeable marks on it. It is precisely the combination of ergonomic discomfort and the risk of damaging the sensitive display that, it seems, became the reason for doubts about the feasibility of releasing the accessory.
Contradictory data
Here the sources' accounts diverge. On the one hand, RBC-Ukraine and a number of publications describe the situation as "in doubt": the prototype exists, the release was considered, but no final decision has been made, and the final verdict is expected on September 9, when the official debut of the foldable smartphone will take place. On the other hand, the publication 3DNews reports more categorically that Apple "abandoned the release" of the stylus after testing. In other words, some sources speak of an unresolved question, while others — of a decision to cancel. Until September 9, both versions remain valid, and readers should treat the accessory's status as unconfirmed.
Apple Watch Series 12: ceramic and continuous monitoring
In addition to the smartphone, the same analytical material included details about the Apple Watch Series 12. According to available data, developers are testing ceramic cases in white and dark gray colors. Functionally, the key innovation is a new heart rate sensor that will collect data throughout the day, not only during physical activity or at random intervals. A major redesign of the health and fitness software in the style of popular services such as Whoop and Oura is also expected.
When to expect it and what to expect
The official debut of the foldable smartphone is, according to available information, scheduled for September 9 — that is when it will finally become known whether the stylus will go beyond the prototype stage. As for the watches, a major external redesign of the smartwatches is expected next year, however the release of the updated case may be delayed until 2028. Thus, both for the smartphone and for the Apple Watch, Apple appears to be following a strategy of gradual introduction of novelties, postponing the most risky elements to later dates.
