Analysts Predict Apple Pencil Support for 2019 iPhones

[MacRumors]

The 2019 iPhones could introduce support for the Apple Pencil, according to a list of feature predictions shared today by Citi Research (via Business Insider).

"Support for iPhone pencil/stylus" was on Citi Research's list of upcoming features it expects to see in the 2019 iPhones, but we've heard extensive rumors about the upcoming devices and Apple Pencil support has seldom been mentioned.

At one point in 2018, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple Pencil support is a possibility for a future iPhone, but he did not specify when and has made no mention of the feature in his myriad reports on what's coming to the 2019 iPhones. Kuo at the time said that Apple Pencil support would hinge on Apple releasing a larger iPhone, but it's not clear if that meant larger than the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max.

Korean site The Investor, which does not have an established track record for accuracy, also suggested Apple is considering offering an Apple Pencil-like stylus that could launch as early as 2019, but no reliable source has indicated Apple Pencil support is in the works for the 2019 iPhone lineup.

Apple Pencil support would be a major 2019 iPhone feature if planned, suggesting we would have heard multiple rumors about it if Apple was indeed aiming to introduce stylus support this year. That we haven't heard Apple Pencil rumors calls Citi Research's Apple Pencil support claims into question, though it's possible the feature has gone under the radar.

Ahead of the launch of the 2018 iPhones, there were multiple reports from Asian supply chain sources indicating the new devices would work with the Apple Pencil, which did not happen.

Apple has, however, expanded Apple Pencil compatibility to its entire iPad lineup, from the 12.9-inch iPad Pro to the 7.9-inch iPad mini, so future Apple Pencil support for iPhone is not out of the question, but seems unlikely for 2019 given the lack of rumors.

Apple's 2019 iPhone lineup is expected to be similar to the 2018 lineup, with 5.8 and 6.5-inch OLED devices planned alongside a 6.1-inch LCD iPhone that's more affordable. The new iPhones will look largely similar to the 2018 iPhones, with the exception of new rear camera setups. For more on what's expected in 2019, make sure to check out our 2019 iPhone roundup.

Article Link: Analysts Predict Apple Pencil Support for 2019 iPhones

 

[RickGrimes]

I hope this comes true.

 

[borntrouble]

"Let's use a stylus!"

 

[xnu]

I really think I would use the pencil a lot with my phone! Love it with the iPad Pro, under appreciated innovation imo.

 

[kanki1985]

Wow!! What an idea reuse..

 

[52485]

"Let's use a stylus!"

Ya have to get 'em and put 'em away! Yech!

 

[dominiongamma]

Waiting for the Steve Jobs quote to appear lol

 

[cardfan]

Sort of has to be a stylus type pencil to be worthwhile.

 

[nfl46]

Interesting. I guess if you own an Apple Pencil, it’s primary use is for the iPad. I’m not sure when I’ll need to use an AP on an iPhone.

 

[Nanotyrns]

Wouldn't one of the usual suspects have already found support in the developer betas?

 

[Cmd-Z]

Steve Jobs

There, happy?

 

[mattopotamus]

Do you hear that?! That is Steve rolling in his grave.

 

[alexandr]

apple pencil mini in 3-2-1...

 

[JPack]

Not until the 6.7" iPhone next year.

 

[iRutherford]

Waiting for the Steve Jobs quote to appear lol

To be fair, he made this comment when the dominant touchscreen technology was resistive. The user experience was not up to par to what the iPhone offered at the time.

 

[csi24]

So basically a wannabe Note??

Gonna be hilarious to read the YouTube comments from the Sammy fanboys if this actually happens

 

[skitidetdu]

The interface isn’t depending on a stylus but the world (and the functionality of the stylus) has evolved since 2007. But it is funny how that Job’s quote directly comes to mind

And if true, we will see plenty of you tubers trying to be funny over it.

 

[scottcampbell]

I'm not gonna argue with this feature being added, but I don't think it will be a great experience.

I've been using a pencil on an iPad and even that feels small. Can't imagine doing it on an iPhone, resting my palm on a desk, constantly scrolling for screen real estate, etc.

 

[ZipZap]

I though Jobs hated styli of any kind. This goes against Apples core principles.

 

[nattK]

Which Apple Pencil though? There is no way to charge the second gen Apple Pencil without the latest iPad Pro, and it would be silly if the newest, latest iPhone was only compatible with the older Apple Pencil. Equally crazy to have a new Apple Pencil just for the phone

 

[hawkeye_a]

Bigger battery? No!
Notch-less screen? No!
Bump-less camera? No!
Pencil? Yes!

 

[realtuner]

Wouldn't one of the usual suspects have already found support in the developer betas?

Did they discover the 64bit A7 before it was announced?

 

[TsMkLg068426]

That pencil gonna look ridiculous yuuuge for a iPhone maybe a small stylist would just do fine and I don't understand Tim Apple why are we backwards I thought iPhones was supposedly none stylist or pencil.

 

[benshive]

I though Jobs hated styli of any kind. This goes against Apples core principles.

The creative possibilities that the Apple Pencil provides for artists and the type of stylus that Steve Jobs talked about are two very different things.

 

[sracer]

apple pencil mini in 3-2-1...

I believe the official name is: "The Apple Golf Pencil"

Given the current Apple Pencil technology, it makes little practical sense to provide Pencil support on the iPhone. No way to charge the Pencil, no way to tote the Pencil. The Pencil itself is longer than an iPhone.

I can't see Apple itself producing a Pencil for the iPhone, but I CAN see the next iPhone supporting the same technology used by the Logitech Crayon and Adonit Note. I just picked up an Adonit Note for my wife to use with her 2018 iPad and it works great. Although I have an Apple Pencil for mine, I'm seriously considering getting a Note.

Even though something like the Adonit Note would suffer from similar issues (except size), it would fit better with an iPhone, IMO.