Apple tested a foldable iPhone stylus — then quietly shelved it
Apple built and tested a stylus prototype for its upcoming foldable iPhone, but the accessory is unlikely to ship when the device launches on September 9. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman revealed the details in his Power On newsletter, noting that engineering problems — not a lack of interest — appear to have killed the stylus's chances for now.
The prototype
The tested design was shorter and stubbier than current iPad Apple Pencil models. Apple explored a magnetic side attachment that would double as a charging point, similar to how the Pencil Pro snaps onto iPad. Two problems emerged quickly. First, the stylus sitting on the hinge side of the phone creates friction when opening and closing the device. Second, and more seriously, the foldable display itself — a flexible OLED panel — can be marked or damaged by stylus pressure. Foldable screens are more delicate than standard glass, and Apple apparently wasn't satisfied it had solved that.
Gurman's assessment is that the stylus is "unlikely" to ship with the first foldable iPhone. Whether it could arrive as a separate accessory later in 2027 remains an open question.
What Samsung gets right by comparison
The absence of a stylus matters in context. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 ships with an optimized S Pen experience, and at a rumored price north of $2,000 for the iPhone Ultra, buyers will expect every productivity angle covered. Without a stylus at launch, Apple's foldable leans into premium simplicity rather than competing head-on with Samsung on productivity. That's a defensible position — but it's a choice, not a limitation Apple is hiding.
Apple Watch news alongside
Gurman also reported on Apple Watch Series 12. Apple is testing ceramic case options in white and dark gray — a material last seen on the Apple Watch Edition line with Series 5 back in 2019. The watch will also gain continuous heart-rate monitoring throughout the day, and the Health and Fitness apps are in line for a visual refresh. A larger structural redesign of Apple Watch is expected in 2027 or 2028, according to Bloomberg.
No pricing has been confirmed for either the foldable iPhone or Apple Watch Series 12 in the US or UK.