Apple Pencil support for the iPhone Duo is arriving sooner than many expected. According to 9to5Mac, the feature is included in iOS 27.2, which is due to launch next week.
When Apple introduced the iPhone Duo in September, it said Pencil support would come "later this year." Because the device does not reach customers until late October, and because Apple has tended to release notable software updates in December, the general assumption was that buyers would have to wait until then to use the stylus.
That timeline now appears to have shifted. Max Weinbach said on X that Pencil support is present in the iOS 27.2 release candidate, indicating the feature is ready ahead of the public rollout.
For customers who secured a pre-order for delivery this Friday, the wait should be short, just a few days before the feature becomes available. Those who receive their Duo later should have Pencil support available from the moment the phone arrives.
Anyone running the iOS 27.2 release candidate will be able to use the Pencil on day one, this Friday. Those who prefer to stay on Apple's public software releases can expect iOS 27.2 to arrive on or around Monday, October 26.
Compatibility is limited. The iPhone Duo works only with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) model, and no other Pencil versions are supported. Owners of the Apple Pencil Pro or the standard Apple Pencil will therefore need to buy the USB-C model if they want to use a stylus with the device.
The USB-C Pencil also works with most iPads. It is currently on sale for $69 on Amazon, according to the report.
Reviews of the iPhone Duo have now been published, and 9to5Mac has also put together a roundup of recommended accessories for the device.
