The iPhone Duo is compatible with the Apple Pencil, if you have the right one. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera tested the Apple Pencil with the iPhone Duo to see if it’s a useful tool to use.
If you already have the Apple Pencil 1, Apple Pencil 2, or Apple Pencil Pro to use with an iPad, you’ll be disappointed to know that they won’t work with the iPhone Duo. The iPhone Duo only works with the Apple Pencil with USB-C, which costs $79 from Apple, but you can get it from Amazon for $69.
The Apple Pencil Pro connects and pairs magnetically with iPads, but the iPhone Duo must be paired with the Apple Pencil USB-C using a USB-C cable. Support for Apple Pencil was added in iOS 27.2, currently available in beta.
Once paired, the Apple Pencil works with the iPhone Duo just as it works with an iPad. You can write or draw, and there’s a setting to turn on palm rejection. You can use Apple Pencil on both the internal and external displays. The Apple Pencil can be magnetically attached to the Duo’s hinge for storage, but it doesn’t charge that way.
Compared to the Apple Pencil Pro, the Apple Pencil USB-C has no pressure sensitivity, double tap, or compression.
The tip of the Apple Pencil may leave lines on the Duo’s display, but the lines can be erased with a polishing cloth. Permanent damage is unlikely to occur, but Apple offers a cover layer replacement option for the iPhone Duo that costs $19 if you have AppleCare+ and $49 if you don’t.
If you want to take quick notes or sketches with the iPhone Duo, the Apple Pencil with USB-C might be worth the cost, but it’s not as useful as on an iPad due to the limited screen size.
