Apple is expected to add Apple Pencil support for the iPhone Duo in iOS 27.2, which it will release next week. Apple had signalled support by the end of the year, but the timetable has moved up. That means iPhone Duo buyers are likely to be able to use the Apple Pencil soon after launch.

NineToFiveMac reported on Oct. 21 that Apple said "later this year" when it unveiled the iPhone Duo in September. With the product launch set for late October and Apple often releasing major software updates in December, there had been expectations that support would come in December. But the feature is included in iOS 27.2, which is due next week, bringing support earlier than expected.

IT analyst Max Weinbach (맥스 와인바흐) said on X, formerly Twitter, that Apple Pencil support works in the iOS 27.2 release candidate. That means customers who preordered and receive the iPhone Duo on Oct. 23 are expected to be able to use the feature within days. Users who buy the product later are also expected to be able to use the Apple Pencil by updating to iOS 27.2 after receiving the device.

Compatible models are limited to the USB-C Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil Pro and the existing standard model are not compatible with the iPhone Duo. That means even users who already own an Apple Pencil would need to buy the USB-C model separately to use pen input on the iPhone Duo. That model can also be used with most iPads.

The final version of iOS 27.2 is expected to roll out around Oct. 26. Users who install the release candidate can use the Apple Pencil from Oct. 23, when the iPhone Duo goes on sale, while users on the final version are expected to be able to use the feature after the update is released.