The idea of a foldable iPhone has been a point of anticipation for tech enthusiasts for years, but it seems Apple’s secret labs were hiding an additional surprise alongside the flexible screen. Recent reports from journalist Mark Gurman revealed that Apple has indeed developed and tested a custom prototype of the Apple Pencil to work specifically with its upcoming foldable phone, a move that represents an interesting shift in the company’s philosophy toward its smartphones.
Unique design: A shorter stylus and magnetic attachment
According to leaks, the prototype stylus was not just a regular version of the Apple Pencils currently available on the market; it was designed with special dimensions to make it shorter, fitting precisely with the height of the foldable iPhone when closed. This reduction in size aims to make carrying and traveling with it practical without it looking awkward or protruding from the phone’s edges.
This model was also equipped with a magnetic attachment mechanism that allows it to stick to the side of the phone, the same method used in iPads to charge the stylus wirelessly and store it on the go, providing the user with an integrated experience and seamless, continuous charging.
Steve Jobs’ philosophy and the challenges of foldable screens
Bringing a digital stylus into the iPhone world is a remarkable shift that brings to mind Steve Jobs’ famous quote in 2007 when he announced the first iPhone and sarcastically asked: Who wants a stylus? He emphasized then that the finger is the best pointing tool in the world. Although Apple later re-adopted the stylus with iPads and it achieved great success, bringing it to foldable phone screens faced extremely complex engineering obstacles.
The biggest concern for Apple’s engineers was the nature of the flexible internal screen; these screens are characterized by their sensitivity and thinness compared to traditional solid glass, and there were real fears that repeated pressure from the stylus tip would leave permanent marks or scratches that would affect the screen’s durability and display quality over time.
The dilemma of usage and user experience
The challenges were not limited to the screen alone; practical dilemmas emerged in daily use. When opening the phone and using it as a large screen without needing the stylus, keeping it attached to the side of the phone becomes confusing and uncomfortable while holding the device with both hands, making the management of the accessory not entirely seamless according to Apple’s strict standards.
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable phone alongside the iPhone 18 lineup at its annual September event, and indicators suggest that the device will take the lead in terms of price category, becoming the most expensive Apple phone ever, surpassing the Pro Max models.
Will we see the stylus with the first generation?
Despite the appeal of the idea, Mark Gurman rules out the launch of this custom stylus alongside the first generation of the foldable iPhone when it is announced. It seems Apple prefers to focus first on delivering a foldable phone with perfect durability and a refined design, before venturing to add accessories that might impose compromises on the overall user experience.
Prototype tests clearly confirm how Apple studies every possible possibility behind closed doors, testing bold ideas that may not reach production lines until they reach the highest levels of readiness and engineering perfection.
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