Will the Apple Pencil Work With the iPhone Fold?

[Ctrlos]

The main issue will be the flexible inner screen. Apple could have special tips for the Apple Pencil but I assume they would not risk someone using the wrong tip and damaging the screen

Samsung dropped S-Pen support for the Fold 7 because nobody used it, not because it scratched the screen.

Given the iBook will just be iPadOS on the inside there are many, many more compelling use cases for Apple to put in Pencil support because it will just run the iPad version of app binaries on the internal display.

 

[Ctrlos]

Apple needs to focus on innovation. How many % of users want a foldable ipad?

Probably 0%. A folding spoon is still just a spoon.

 

[jonnysods]

Strange article - the product doesn't exist, I guess next week you can make one saying will it get usb 2.0 speed and the iPhone Fold Pro will get thunderbolt speed?

 

[jhwalker]

I'd be interested in learning what percentage of iPad users have a Pencil and use it regularly. I had one but rarely needed it. For graphic designers I imagine it would be really useful. But I can't imagine graphic designers flocking to the Fold.

I have one and use it daily - but it's because I use it for music and use the pencil to markup scores (e.g., adding dynamic markings, breath marks, etc., as preferred by the conductor).

Don't see myself using the Fold for the same purpose, but I'd still prefer it DID support the current pencil just in case

 

[Mr_Ed]

And where would you put the pencil?

Exactly. I understand that some will want a foldable form factor, but I just don’t get the urge to turn the phone into a tablet. Each device class has use cases it is (or should be) optimal for. I know I’m not going to consume a lot of media, or sketch/paint on a phone screen, even a foldable’s. Just like I’m not going to engage in 3d modeling or AAA gaming on a tablet. Doesn’t mean you can’t do those tasks in various classes of devices, I just choose to not deal with compromises when engaging in those tasks. I have yet to see anything to convince me that “Jack of all trades. Master of none.” doesn’t apply to devices as well.

 

[rhinosrcool]

Samsung dropped S-Pen support for the Fold 7 because nobody used it, not because it scratched the screen.

Given the iBook will just be iPadOS on the inside there are many, many more compelling use cases for Apple to put in Pencil support because it will just run the iPad version of app binaries on the internal display.

Lots of people used it. But, to make it so thin, they had to remove the extra screen.

 

[kenta_]

Strange article - the product doesn't exist, I guess next week you can make one saying will it get usb 2.0 speed and the iPhone Fold Pro will get thunderbolt speed?

So true. I want a folding keyboard case too.

 

[kenta_]

And where would you put the pencil?

You don’t want to know. LOL

 

[Macalway]

Seems like we've moved on to pretend accessories.

You actually might even be able to buy a case on Amazon soon, as I've seen those before. They just sort of guess.

 

[sahajesh]

No, Apple will demand that you buy a new iPencil. They might even make it fold like the phone!

Like a Fencil (sounds like a drug, though).

 

[Zacharynotzach]

I'd be interested in learning what percentage of iPad users have a Pencil and use it regularly. I had one but rarely needed it. For graphic designers I imagine it would be really useful. But I can't imagine graphic designers flocking to the Fold.

I use my iPad mainly for gigging. I mark up sheet music, write out charts, write setlists, etc. I for one really hope the fold supports it, so I can just bring my fold and a pencil to rehearsals instead of the iPad.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I’m sure Apple will produce a short “Pencil” that will only work with the new Phones and not the iPad. The pencil for iPads won’t work with the phones. Why would Apple miss another sales opportunity? Not that i’m jaded or anything!

Meet Apple Pencil Pro 2.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Pencil + iPad is such a game changer. Makes something like an iPad mini the ultimate note-taking sketch pad. Completely revolutionized my Field notes + fine point sharpie workflow.

I suspect this new device will offer Pencil support. Money says it will be tied to a new device-specific Pencil (ideally one that would magnetically attach to the closed edge of the device for charging, pairing and easy portability).

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Kind of like an Apple iPad and Apple laptop can't use an Apple bluetooth mouse that can only be used with an Apple desktop computer. To upset everybody as usual, right?

Wait a second... Heh!

Have you tried using a mouse on a mac to change the volume? It's an exercise in misery.

 

[N0ughtsAndCr0sses]

The first impact will be a non stylus approach so that the SJ aficionados won’t jump and cry foul play.

Then the second iteration will have that available by popular demand, and ultimately Apple can blame the customers for asking and then the company obediently delivered. 🤣🤌🏻


That is how hype is created, innit.

 

[mrr]

*ALL* Apple Pro iPhones should support the Apple Pencil.

 

[OGdrknight]

This should be an automatic feature unless the screen is prone to scratches or is too delicate. If the phone is too fragile for the Apple Pencil, it’s best to avoid purchasing it until it can support the Apple Pencil.

Let’s be honest, all recent iPhones should already support the Apple Pencil.

 

[DanteHicks79]

 

[citysnaps]

Have you tried using a mouse on a mac to change the volume? It's an exercise in misery.

No... not having a need for that as the two volume up/down keyboard keys works fine for that purpose. Easy.

 

[OGdrknight]

It might support it, but I’d think any design would have to show something built in to hold the pencil as this device should definitely be thought of as an iPhone first. iPads hold it magnetically or have a case that can store it so unless this holds it super securely I don’t see it supporting it. I don’t see myself carrying an Apple Pencil separately from the device it’s supposed to be used for.

I have an iPad/magic keyboard with USB-C Apple Pencil and if it’s not positioned in the correct spot on the flatten area it will usually just fall off if I move iPad much. The first gen Apple Pencil was pretty stuck on, but not the new versions. The gen 1 was great until it wasn’t. If you don’t position it correctly it can be stuck on but doesn’t charge because pencil got bumped.

Honestly, they should only sell the USB-C version and make a Magic Keyboard with a pencil holder built-in and get rid of magnets all together.

 

[257Loner]

Hot take:
Writing on a phone (even a large one) sucks.

We did writing on that form factor with the palm pilot back in the mid-late 90s. It never took off then either, despite the nerds raving about how good it was - normal people hated it.

Apple tried it with the newton. Normal people had no interest in it.

Writing on that size of device is crap. Its bad enough on an ipad mini, and still a bit cramped on an 11" ipad.

For phones, predictive text or dictation (to AI) are probably the way to go.

You say that 'writing on a phone sucks'. Well, typing on a phone also sucks. Small screens make everything more difficult.

But these new folding phones have larger inner screens that better accommodate note taking and drawing with a stylus. And some people want that.

I don't expect Apple to introduce a stylus for their phones, especially after Steve Jobs famously dismissed them in 2007. I admire Steve Jobs' vision for a smartphone that doesn't require a stylus to be used. But I also admire Samsung innovating a lot of great uses for a stylus as an optional accessory.

 

[transpo1]

I’d love Apple Pencil support but somehow doubt they’ll be able to fit that into the first gen product. I’ll manifest the opposite, though and hope they can somehow do it!

 

[groove-agent]

If it wasn't for the Apple Pencil I probably wouldn't have an iPad. It's great for taking notes organically.

What's interesting is if you sidecar your iPad to your Mac, you can use MacOS with touch, but you can only touch with the Apple Pencil, not your fingers. Relating to the Steve Jobs comment of nobody liking a stylus, they've essentially done just this with the iPad.

TLDR: I've thought about a project where I'd mount an iPad to my clamshelled Mac, connected via USB and Astropad Studio software essentially using MacOS via touch / pencil thus creating a touch screen Mac. I have a case for my 14" MBP, and I can glue some guides to the top of the screen to easily slide the 13" in and out.

MORE TLDR: Actually with the case on the MBP, the iPad will nicely sit on top of the keyboard of the MBP. With sidecar this creates a very ASUS Zen Duo type of multitasking setup:

When I dock my MBP to the KVM, I keep my iPad sitting on the keyboard of the MBP and then have two extra monitors in addition to my main monitor which is a nice multi-monitor type of setup.

 

[artifex]

The pencil is my main journalling input tool. Old fashioned I guess, but my mind connects better to the page through a pencil than a keyboard. Even though I don't see a folding phone as a device for me, I will keep carrying my ipad in my backpack.

For anyone who desires the folding form factor, no matter how it comes out design wise, I hope it has the usability, the battery life, the physical longetivity, and all the good features you could wish for.

Do you have a special tip and/or paperlike screen protector? I've tried writing with the 1st gen pencil on my iPad 9 but it feels like it's just skating along, like when trying to use a ballpoint pen that's dried up.

 

[artifex]

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I haven't seen Milanos in a while. But I remember.