Apple couldn’t quite get Apple Pencil Pro to work with iPhone Duo, but Apple Pencil with USB-C pairs fine over a cable and brings its basic functions to iOS for the first time.
A rumor in late August suggested Apple tried and failed to include support for Apple Pencil on its upcoming foldable. The issue was apparently with where the Apple Pencil would need to mount for charging interrupting the ease of opening and closing the device.
It would have been disappointing to get such a large display without Apple Pencil support, but Apple did find a way with iPhone Duo. The Apple Pencil with USB-C is compatible with iPhone Duo thanks to its ability to pair and charge over a cable.
Apple introduced the Apple Pencil with USB-C after announcing an iPad with a newly placed Center Stage selfie camera. The arrangement prevented the necessary magnets for the previous Apple Pencils from fitting, so Apple released a more universal stylus instead.
It lacks features like Double Tap and pressure sensitivity, though it does understand the device’s tilt angle. Apple Pencil Pro introduced other features like Barrel Roll, but the USB-C model does support Apple Pencil hover on select iPad models.
It isn’t specified if hover works on iPhone Duo.
Once the Apple Pencil with USB-C is paired with iPhone Duo, it should just work without any configuration. The battery can last 12 hours when used continuously, though battery life varies depending on use and standby times.
While it might be frustrating that there is nowhere to store the Apple Pencil when not in use, it can easily slip into a pocket. Also, expect third-party iPhone Duo case manufacturers to come up with clever case designs to store the Apple Pencil.
You can buy an Apple Pencil with USB-C today for $79 (discounted to $69 on Amazon). The iPhone Duo goes up for pre-order on October 16 starting at $1,999.