Apple actually built a stylus for its foldable iPhone. Not “explored the idea.” Not “discussed it in a meeting.” Prototyped, tested, and seriously considered launching one. So naturally, it’s probably not coming out.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has internally developed a modified Apple Pencil specifically for its first foldable iPhone. But Gurman was quick to pump the brakes, calling it “unlikely” that Apple ships this thing alongside the device. And honestly? There are real reasons for that.
The prototype stylus is described as “stubbier” than the iPad-focused Apple Pencils we already know. It would attach to the side of the phone for storage and charging, same as the current Pencil lineup does with iPads. That sounds fine until you think about it for five seconds. A stylus attached to the spine of a foldable phone gets in the way every single time you open it without wanting to use the pen. That’s most of the time. And foldable displays are notoriously delicate. Even Samsung limits certain S Pen models to specific foldables because the risk of screen damage is real. Apple clearly ran into the same wall.
Still, the fact that this prototype exists matters. It tells you Apple is thinking seriously about what a stylus-friendly foldable could look like long term. The foldable form factor is the only iPhone product that would genuinely benefit from stylus input, especially on that larger inner display. Samsung has pushed the Galaxy Z Fold line as a productivity device partly because of S Pen support. Apple may want that same positioning eventually, even if the first-gen foldable ships without it. We’ll find out when Apple holds its expected September 9 event.
On a more certain note, Gurman also reported some Apple Watch news worth paying attention to. Apple is testing white and dark gray ceramic case options for the Apple Watch Series 12. More interesting is a new health feature that keeps the heart rate sensor running continuously throughout the day, not just during workouts or random checks. Apple is also reportedly redesigning its fitness and health apps to look closer to what Whoop and Oura offer, which signals Apple is taking the serious health-tracking crowd more seriously.
But if you’re holding out for a big Apple Watch redesign, temper your expectations. Gurman says the major overhaul is more likely in 2027, with a chance it slips to 2028. So the Series 12 is more of a refinement year than a reinvention.
- Foldable iPhone stylus prototype exists but is unlikely to ship at launch
- Stylus design is shorter than existing Apple Pencils and attaches to the phone’s side
- Apple Watch Series 12 may come in white and dark gray ceramic
- New continuous heart rate monitoring feature is in testing
- Health and fitness apps getting a redesign influenced by Whoop and Oura
- Major Apple Watch redesign likely pushed to 2027 or even 2028
The stylus story is the most fascinating part here because it shows how messy the foldable problem actually is. Apple doesn’t ship things until it thinks they’re right. A stylus that scratches the screen or jams the hinge is not “right.” But the fact that it got to prototype stage suggests this is a when, not an if.