Apple updates iPhone Duo to support Apple Pencil with iOS 27.2

Apple unveiled iOS 27.2 today, adding full Apple Pencil support to the iPhone Duo and introducing a new “Edge Light” feature that brightens the phone’s side bezel during video calls. The update rolls out to all iPhone Duo owners this afternoon and can be installed via the Settings app.

The move marks the first time Apple has allowed the Pencil to work on an iPhone, a capability that has long been limited to iPads. Creators have been urging Apple to bring the stylus to its flagship phone for years, arguing that it would unlock note‑taking, sketching and precise editing on a device many already carry everywhere. Competitors such as Samsung and Google already offer stylus‑compatible phones, and the iPhone Duo’s larger screen made it the most logical candidate for Apple’s delayed rollout.

Edge Light, the second addition, projects a soft glow from the phone’s edge to illuminate the user’s face in low‑light calls. Apple says the feature uses the existing OLED panel to create a uniform wash of light without draining the battery. In a brief statement, Apple’s senior vice president of software said the update “enhances everyday communication and creative workflows.” Early reactions from developers have been positive; several drawing and annotation apps have already released beta versions that recognize Pencil pressure and tilt on the iPhone Duo.

Analysts expect the new capabilities to spur a wave of app updates and could influence Apple’s hardware roadmap. Rumors suggest a future iPhone model may include a built‑in magnetic holder for the Pencil, similar to the iPad’s design. Meanwhile, iOS 27.3 is slated for a September release, promising performance tweaks and additional Pencil shortcuts. For now, iPhone Duo users can explore the stylus features and see whether Apple’s late entry into the market reshapes how people create on their phones.