---
title: "Apple tested a shorter, thicker Apple Pencil for its foldable iPhone, but the accessory's release is in doubt"
description: "Apple tested a shorter, thicker Apple Pencil than the standard model for its foldable iPhone with magnetic attachment to the side edge, but the accessory's release is in doubt due to the risk of damaging the flexible screen. The final verdict is expected on September 9."
date: 2026-08-31T07:20:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/apple-pencil-for-foldable-iphone-prototype
tags: [apple-pencil, foldable-iphone, apple-watch, apple, stylus]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Apple tested a shorter, thicker Apple Pencil for its foldable iPhone, but the accessory's release is in doubt

![Short and thick Apple Pencil prototype for foldable iPhone on a brown leather background](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/31/apple-pencil-dlya-skladnogo-iphone-prototip/apple-pencil-dlya-skladnogo-iphone-prototip-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Apple created and tested a shorter, thicker Apple Pencil than the standard model for its first foldable smartphone, with attachment and charging on the side edge.
- The stylus's release is in doubt: the source 3DNews speaks of a cancellation, while RBC-Ukraine — of an unresolved decision; the verdict is expected on September 9.
- The stylus may leave marks on the fragile coating of the flexible screen, and its placement is inconvenient when opening the device.
- Apple Watch Series 12 are being tested in ceramic cases, with a 24/7 heart rate sensor and a redesign of fitness apps; a new case may only appear by 2028.

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.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone already exists: what could derail its release](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/apple-pencil-skladanogo-iphone-vzhe-isnue-1788160318.html) - Основной источник: прототип существует, короче и толще, крепится к боковой грани для хранения и зарядки; выпуск под вопросом, вердикт 9 сентября. Также детали по Apple Watch Series 12.
- [iPhone Ultra: according to available data, Apple has developed a magnetic Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone](https://www.notebookcheck-ru.com/iPhone-Ultra-po-imejushchimsja-dannym-kompanija-Apple-razrabotala-magnitnyi-Apple-Pencil-dlja-skladnogo-iPhone.1383479.0.html) - Подтверждает разработку магнитного Apple Pencil для складного iPhone (название iPhone Ultra).
- [Apple tested a stylus for the foldable iPhone and abandoned its release](https://3dnews.ru/1147695/apple-protestirovala-stilus-dlya-skladnogo-iphone-i-otkazalas-ot-ego-vipuska) - Утверждает об отказе Apple от выпуска после тестирования — противоречит формулировке «под вопрос» у РБК-Украина. Учтено в блоке «Противоречивые данные».
- [A custom version of the Apple Pencil stylus has been developed for the iPhone Ultra](https://megaobzor.com/Dlja-iPhone-Ultra-razrabotali-svou-versiu-stilusa-Apple-Pencil.html) - Подтверждает разработку отдельной версии Apple Pencil для iPhone Ultra.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Does an Apple Pencil for the foldable iPhone already exist?
**A:** Yes, according to analyst Mark Gurman, Apple has created and tested a prototype of a modified Apple Pencil for its first foldable smartphone. It is shorter and thicker than standard models and attaches to the side edge for storage and charging.

### Q: Will Apple release this stylus?
**A:** This is not yet confirmed. RBC-Ukraine calls the release "in doubt," while 3DNews reports a cancellation after testing. The final verdict is expected on September 9, at the official debut of the foldable smartphone.

### Q: Why does the stylus's release raise doubts?
**A:** Because of two problems: the placement on the side edge is inconvenient when opening the device without intending to use the stylus, and the stylus itself may leave noticeable marks on the more fragile coating of the flexible screen.

### Q: What is known about Apple Watch Series 12?
**A:** Ceramic cases in white and dark gray colors are being tested, along with a new heart rate sensor with 24/7 data collection and a major redesign of fitness apps in the style of Whoop and Oura. A major external redesign is expected next year, but a new case may only appear by 2028.

### Q: When will the foldable iPhone debut?
**A:** According to available information, the official debut is scheduled for September 9, when the stylus's fate will also become known.