Leading into the iPhone Duo launch, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported Apple was considering a new Apple Pencil for iPhone Duo, though it was unlikely the company would proceed. The iPhone Duo keynote confirmed support for the USB-C Apple Pencil instead. Apple had designed the Duo to be compatible with Apple Pencil and initially planned a smaller model to attach to the hinge side.

According to Gurman, that pencil encountered technical problems before mass production, leading Apple to scrap it and adopt the traditional USB-C Apple Pencil. Post-keynote, Apple’s website noted Apple Pencil support wouldn’t be available at launch due to the Duo not being initially designed for USB-C Apple Pencil, requiring extensive testing. Apple stated support would be ready by end of 2026, with software updates and internal compatibility tests now underway.

It remains unclear whether the technical issues stemmed from the pencil itself or the Duo’s magnetic charging capability. If the former, Apple may still release the accessory later.