Apple abandons dedicated Pencil for iPhone Duo, opts for USB-C model
Apple dropped plans for a smaller, hinge-mounted Apple Pencil for the iPhone Duo after encountering technical issues, and will instead support the existing USB-C Apple Pencil pending software updates later this year.
Apple has cancelled a specially designed Apple Pencil that was intended to attach to the hinge of the upcoming iPhone Duo. The company initially planned a smaller, magnetic accessory, but technical problems surfaced before mass production could begin, according to Bloomberg reporting. As a result, Apple will rely on its standard USB-C Apple Pencil for the device.
Support for the USB-C Pencil will not be available at the iPhone Duo launch, as the phone was not originally engineered for that accessory. Apple said it must develop new software and conduct extensive internal testing before enabling compatibility. The company indicated that the feature should be ready by the end of the year, which analysts interpret as late 2026.
It remains unclear whether the technical hurdles relate to the Pencil itself or to the Duo’s magnetic charging mechanism. If the issue lies with the Pencil, Apple could still introduce a dedicated version at a later date.