Malcolm Owen
Accessory producer Olixar is producing cases for the 'iPhone 11 Pro,' with some models sporting a holster to hold a shorter Apple Pencil.
Fueled by countless rumors and analyst predictions, images of the Olixar "Genuine Leather iPhone 11 Pro Case and Apple Pencil Holder" received by retailer MobileFun all feature a square cut-out for the "iPhone 11" camera bump, which is larger to accommodate the predicted three camera lenses and the flash.
Unlike other cases for current-generation iPhone models, though, the images also depict the inclusion of a sleeve designed to hold an Apple Pencil of some sort. There have been predictions by analysts that Apple Pencil support will make it into the iPhone lineup this year, though similar suggestions were made in 2018 for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
The way the Apple Pencil holster is designed for the case images would necessitate the introduction of a new Apple Pencil, if it is to be believed. The first generation of the accessory measures 6.92 inches long, while the second is 6.53 inches in length, both of which are longer than the iPhone XS Max at 6.2 inches.
For the Apple Pencil to be used in such a way, Apple would have to create a new shorter version of the stylus. Quick comparisons suggest that an Apple Pencil would have to be whittled down about two inches to fit in the pocket provided as depicted. Doing so would cut down on battery life as the power source takes up the vast majority of the inside of the device.
While some may take an accessory producer's designs as a confirmation of Apple's work, nearly every case manufacturer has to rely on rumors from the supply chain rather than solid information from Apple. There is no guarantee of what Apple will ultimately launch until it holds its September iPhone event, currently anticipated to take place on September 10.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
29 Comments
Gotta say, I'm stumped by Apple Pencil. Tried it out at a retail location, and darned if I could figure out how it works. I suppose if you are an artist, it is likely the greatest thing since sliced raisin toast. But I clicked, I tapped, I tried to draw...all baffling and resulted in strange things on the screen. I guess if you don't know how to use a tool it can't help you. It sure seemed like the least intuitive think from Apple I've tried. YMMV.
Since the Apple pencil is stored right next to the inductive charging coils on the iPhone, removing the battery will not be that big a deal. They can likely remove the lightening connector too.
I don’t know why you’d want Apple Pencil support on an iPhone... the device is to small to write on. I suppose it could be done (with care) but typing would be faster.