There are numerous rumours about what the next iPhone will bring, whether that's a square camera bump or removing 3D touch. Now, a case designed for Apple's imminent iPhone model refresh suggests the iPhone 11 will add support for the Apple Pencil.

The website for case manufacturer Olixar lists a case for the "iPhone 11 Pro" with "the added convenience of an Apple Pencil sleeve." Currently, the most recent Apple Pencil is only compatible with the 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro models, so having a sleeve for it in an iPhone case doesn't make much sense unless you can use it with the smartphone, too.

The existence of the case, which is currently available to pre-order, doesn't guarantee a feature, though. Olixar may just be reacting to rumours as they come out, as case manufacturers often build prototypes based on leaks related to size and features.

Since the new iPhones are expected to be the same size as the existing XS, XS Max, and XR, a smaller Pencil would be required. The current Apple Pencil is 6.9-inches long, while the XS Max ($539.36 at Amazon) is 6.2-inches long. The alternative, of course, is a larger iPhone 11 Pro model being revealed next month.

Adding Apple Pencil support to iPhone would certainly allow Apple to compete with the Galaxy Note 10 and its S Pen. If nothing else, it would provide Apple with another feature to market in the face of dwindling iPhone sales, while at the same time offering a new way to sell more Apple Pencils.

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