The new iPhone Duo has introduced Apple Pencil support following the iOS 27.2 update, offering users a unique way to use the $2,000 folding device as a digital notebook. While the phone features a heavy and chunky form factor that invites plenty of curiosity, the addition of stylus capabilities opens up new possibilities for writing and doodling.
Apple Pencil Support on the Duo
The device supports the USB-C Apple Pencil, meaning users do not get pressure sensitivity, but they can still utilize handwriting-to-text scribble features in apps like Messages and Safari. Exploring the stylus led to experimenting with different Pencil-friendly apps, including the native Notes app and a dedicated notebook application called TypeDraw.
The native Notes app benefits from an auto-refine handwriting feature that neatens up messy writing while preserving individual style, which is particularly useful on the Duo’s smaller screens. Although the feature occasionally misinterprets scrawls or introduces a slight delay after pausing, it serves as a convenient middle ground for tasks like making grocery lists.
Transforming the Phone Into a Notebook
To fully embrace the notebook experience, the reviewer downloaded TypeDraw, a $4.99 app optimized specifically for the Duo. The app turns the cover screen into the front of a notebook, allowing users to flip pages by swiping the cover or opening the entire phone, while also featuring an automated table of contents and satisfying haptics.
The inner screen’s matte finish enhances the writing experience by offering a touch of resistance when moving the pencil across the display. Additionally, the Apple Pencil can magnetically attach to the Duo’s hinge when the phone is closed, providing a convenient way to carry both devices around the house despite an awkward fit due to the pencil’s length.
Reimagining the homescreen around creation rather than consumption helped highlight how many unnecessary apps are usually kept on the device for emotional support. Ultimately, while a fun new gadget is delightful, the shiny new thing eventually fades, proving that users do not need a $2,000 phone to reevaluate their habits or carry a physical notebook.
