Here’s why Apple scrapped its shorter Apple Pencil designed for iPhone Duo: report

Michael Burkhardt· Sep 20, 2026 · 2:38 PM UTC ·4 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 10 views

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#apple #iphone duo #apple pencil #hardware #software update

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Apple has discontinued plans for a custom, shorter Apple Pencil designed specifically for the iPhone Duo due to unresolved technical issues. The company will instead support the standard USB-C Apple Pencil, though this compatibility will not be available at the device's launch. Apple expects to enable this support via a software update by the end of 2026 after completing necessary internal testing.

Key facts

▪Apple scrapped a new, smaller Apple Pencil intended to attach to the iPhone Duo's hinge side because of technical problems.
▪The iPhone Duo will support the existing USB-C Apple Pencil, but this feature will not be available at the initial launch.
▪Apple must roll out new software and conduct extensive internal tests to make the iPad pencils compatible with the iPhone Duo.
▪The company anticipates that Apple Pencil support for the iPhone Duo will be ready by late 2026.

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Original publisher	9to5Mac
Canonical URL	https://9to5mac.com/2026/09/20/heres-why-apple-scrapped-its-shorter-apple-pencil-designed-for-iphone-duo-report/
Publication time	Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:38:43 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-09-20T14:43:48.554Z
Last seen	2026-09-20T14:43:48.554Z
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