Apple tested stylus for foldable iPhone but unlikely to launch

Apple has internally prototyped and tested a modified Apple Pencil for its upcoming foldable iPhone, but the accessory is considered unlikely to launch with the device due to significant design and durability challenges. According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company explored a shorter, stubbier stylus designed to magnetically attach to the side of the foldable phone for storage and charging. However, testing revealed that this attachment method would be awkward, as the stylus would obstruct the device when opened. Furthermore, there are concerns that the stylus could leave marks on the highly sensitive and delicate foldable display. The prototype stylus represents a departure from the existing Apple Pencil models paired with iPads, which are longer and attach to the top or side of those tablets. For the foldable iPhone, the side-mounted design was intended to solve the problem of where to store and charge a stylus on a phone. Nevertheless, the practical implications proved problematic. Gurman noted that the stylus would get in the way when a user wanted to open the foldable device, potentially requiring removal even if the user did not intend to use it.