Apple Pencil Support Corroborated for 2018 iPhone X, iPhone X Plus

When announcing the original iPhone back in 2007, Apple’s late co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs famously quipped that “nobody wants a stylus.” His argument certainly held precedent over 11-years-ago — long before Samsung’s Galaxy Note phablets and even his company’s own stylus device for iPad, Apple Pencil, arrived on the scene.

In the years since its 2015 unveiling, Apple has openly toyed with the idea of introducing an Apple Pencil for use with its smaller devices (namely the iPhone) and has filed for several patents to that affect.

It wasn’t until earlier this week, however, when TrendForce issued a report indicating that Apple’s upcoming 2018 iPhone models will boast support for the Apple Pencil.

Apple Pencil for iPhone News

Whether or not Apple Pencil support actually arrives on the smaller iOS screen this fall remains to be seen. But, interestingly enough, just days after TrendForce submitted its research note, another (highly credible) publication has come out corroborating Apple Pencil support for the company’s upcoming 5.8- and 6.5-inch OLED iPhone models. 

The 6.1-inch LCD iPhone, meanwhile, is not expected to incorporate the technology, likely in a bid to keep manufacturing costs down according to “industry sources” cited in the report from Korea’s Economic Daily News.

Apple introduced the device, which has been described as a drawing and creative tool, back in 2015 alongside the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It also works with all iPad Pro models launched since then, including the 10.5-inch iPad Pro (June 2017) and even the new low-cost sixth-generation iPad.

In it’s current form, however, the Apple Pencil is rather large and weighty, and isn’t really designed for use on a smaller screen like iPhone’s — although it probably could work sufficiently on the bigger iPhone X Plus.

Apple Pencil 2?

Still, it’s unclear if Apple has plans to refresh the Apple Pencil, even though slimming it down and shrinking its size would be ideal if it truly want to sell them to iPhone users.

Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t revised or upgraded the Apple Pencil since it debuted. And we’ve heard nothing from the rumor mill pointing to an imminent Apple Pencil 2 refresh either, so consider these reports with a grain of salt until further notice.

Apple designed the Apple Pencil to mimic the feel and sensation of using a pen or pencil on paper. It features an array of in-built sensors used to determine the device’s angle and orientation, as well as to detect force for precise, pressure-sensitive drawing and writing input. 

In its current form, Apple Pencil is a highly-advanced input tool for iPad Pro. And while it could have wide-ranging implications on a smaller screen like the iPhone’s, Apple would likely need to revisit the drawing board and refine it beforehand.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]