A new report from tech analyst Jeff Pu points to something interesting brewing in Apple’s 2025 lineup. The so-called iPhone 17 Air, a model rumored to take over from the current iPhone ‘Plus’, might come with support for a fresh take on the Apple Pencil. And not just any Pencil, but a completely new and, perhaps more importantly, more affordable version.
If that turns out to be the case, it would mark the first time an iPhone has officially supported an Apple-branded stylus. That alone could make this a milestone moment for Apple fans who’ve long wondered if the iPhone would ever cross into stylus territory.
Key Takeaways
- The upcoming iPhone 17 Air might support a new, budget-friendly Apple Pencil.
- This would be the first time any iPhone officially includes stylus support.
- The iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the iPhone Plus in the 2025 lineup.
- A stylus-equipped iPhone could challenge Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra models more directly.
For years, Apple has kept the Apple Pencil exclusive to its iPad family, aiming it mainly at creative professionals and students. So, expanding that capability to the iPhone would be a noticeable shift, possibly one aimed at widening the product’s appeal to more casual users.
This bit of news comes from Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, a name that usually surfaces when there are credible rumblings from Apple’s supply chain. According to his research note, Apple is actively developing a cheaper Pencil, and the iPhone 17 Air seems like a likely candidate to be its first home.
If Apple really does go this route, it might be a calculated step toward competing more aggressively with Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra series, which has featured the S Pen for several generations, where users often juggle work, creativity, and personal tasks all from a single device, the addition of a stylus could really hit the sweet spot. Think note-taking, drawing, even signing documents, all right from the phone screen.
Now, as for the iPhone 17 Air itself, early speculation suggests a screen size of about 6.6 inches. That’s just a tad smaller than the current 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. But this model might stand out in other ways, too. There are broader rumors that Apple is working on significantly slimming down its hardware, not just with iPhones, but also MacBooks. So a thinner, more streamlined iPhone paired with a simple stylus? That could be a pretty appealing combo for users looking for both style and utility.
The Apple Pencil being developed is expected to resemble the current Apple Pencil (USB-C) in form, but probably with fewer bells and whistles. To keep costs down, it might skip advanced features like pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, or seamless pairing. And that makes sense, those who just want a basic stylus for quick sketches or casual use likely don’t need all the high-end functions of the Apple Pencil Pro anyway.
All signs point to the iPhone 17 series being revealed sometime in the fall of 2025. Until then, these early hints at Apple’s strategy suggest they might finally be ready to put a stylus in the hands of iPhone users literally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the iPhone 17 Air?
A1: The iPhone 17 Air is a rumored new iPhone model expected in 2025. It is believed to be a replacement for the ‘Plus’ model and may feature a thinner design and a slightly smaller screen.
Q2: When will the iPhone 17 be released?
A2: Apple typically releases new iPhone models in September. Therefore, the iPhone 17 series is expected to launch around September 2025.
Q3: Will current Apple Pencils work with the iPhone 17?
A3: Based on current rumors, it is unlikely. The reports suggest Apple is developing a new, specific model of the Apple Pencil designed for the iPhone, which would likely be sold separately.
Q5: How much will the new Apple Pencil for iPhone cost?
There is no official price yet. However, rumors suggest it will be a “lower-cost” version, meaning it should be priced more affordably than the current Apple Pencil models, which start at $79 in the US.
