---
title: "iPhone Duo gets USB-C Apple Pencil support in iOS 27.2 beta"
description: "Apple promised Pencil support in September; it works on both displays, but only with the USB-C model and without pressure sensitivity."
url: https://mactoreality.com/iphone-duo-gains-usb-c-apple-pencil-support-in-ios-27-2-beta
published: 2026-10-24T08:43:53Z
updated: 2026-10-24T08:43:53Z
author: "Mac to Reality Newsdesk"
category: Rumours
tags: ["Accessories","iPhone","Software"]
publisher: Mac to Reality
ai_assisted: true
apple_heat_impact: 1
---

# iPhone Duo gets USB-C Apple Pencil support in iOS 27.2 beta

*Apple promised Pencil support in September; it works on both displays, but only with the USB-C model and without pressure sensitivity.*

**Key points**

- Apple announced on 9 September that iPhone Duo would support Apple Pencil with USB-C later this year; support arrives in iOS 27.2, now in beta.
- Only Apple Pencil (USB-C) works, priced £79/$79; hover is not supported, per Apple's tech specs.
- In MacRumors' test the Pencil pairs by cable, works on both displays and lacks pressure sensitivity, double-tap and squeeze.

Apple Pencil support for the iPhone Duo is arriving with iOS 27.2, which is currently in beta. Apple promised it in its iPhone Duo announcement on 9 September, saying the Duo would support Apple Pencil with USB-C “later this year” for notes, sketches and document mark-up on either display.

Only one Pencil works. Apple’s iPhone Duo tech specs list support for Apple Pencil (USB-C) alone and note that hover is not supported. Owners of the first- or second-generation Apple Pencil or the Apple Pencil Pro will need to buy the USB-C model, which costs £79 in the UK and $79 in the US.

## How it works in the beta

A hands-on test by MacRumors found that the Pencil pairs with the Duo over a USB-C cable rather than magnetically. Once paired, it works on both the inner and outer displays, and there is a setting for palm rejection. The Pencil can cling magnetically to the Duo’s hinge for storage, but it does not charge there.

Because it is the USB-C model, there is no pressure sensitivity, double-tap or squeeze. MacRumors also noticed the tip can leave faint lines on the folding display; in its testing they wiped off with a polishing cloth.

## Sources

- [Apple Newsroom: Apple unveils iPhone Duo](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-iphone-duo/)
- [Apple: iPhone Duo - Technical Specifications](https://www.apple.com/iphone-duo/specs/)
- [MacRumors: Using an Apple Pencil With the iPhone Duo: What to Know](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/23/iphone-duo-apple-pencil/)

*This report was written by the Mac to Reality newsdesk with AI assistance from the sources listed above, under the editorial policy at https://mactoreality.com/editorial-policy.*