Samsung’s commitment to the S Pen has long set its flagship phones apart, particularly the Galaxy S Ultra series, carrying the torch of the retired Galaxy Note line. While the S Pen’s core functionality remains popular for notes, drawing, and precise interaction, recent leaks and reports suggest Samsung is considering significant changes to the stylus technology in upcoming devices, starting potentially with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and extending to the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 Ultra. These rumored shifts could fundamentally alter the S Pen experience, though potentially for some compelling reasons, including design improvements and new features like integrated magnetic charging.
The Rumored S Pen Technology Shift for S26 Ultra
A key rumor circulating, notably from leaker PandaFlash, claims Samsung plans to move away from the traditional S Pen input system used in previous Galaxy S Ultra models (like the S25 Ultra). This long-standing technology relies on an unpowered stylus interacting with a special digitizer layer embedded within the phone’s display. While this method has allowed for a slim, silo-able pen that can be stored inside the phone, it comes with trade-offs.
Instead, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is now rumored to adopt a different approach, potentially mirroring the active, powered pen technology expected for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7. This system features a stylus that requires its own power source and tracks independently of a dedicated display digitizer.
Impact on Design: Saying Goodbye to the Built-in Slot?
The most immediate consequence of switching to a powered, active S Pen would likely be the loss of the integrated storage slot within the phone body. Active pens are typically thicker and require more complex internal components (like a battery), making it challenging to design them to fit snugly inside a standard smartphone chassis. If this rumor holds true, the S Pen for the S26 Ultra would need to be carried separately, much like how the S Pen for the Galaxy Z Fold series is currently used.
Why the Change? Thinner Design and the Qi2 Connection
PandaFlash reportedly points to a reduction in phone thickness as a primary motivation behind ditching the traditional digitizer layer. Removing this component could free up valuable internal space.
Perhaps the most exciting potential benefit tied to this S Pen tech shift is the possibility of integrated Qi2 wireless charging support. The Qi2 standard incorporates a magnetic alignment feature, similar to Apple’s MagSafe. With the current S25 Ultra, users wanting magnetic charging alignment have to rely on third-party cases because the traditional S Pen digitizer is sensitive and can be interfered with by internal magnets. By removing the digitizer, Samsung could potentially integrate the necessary magnetic ring into the Galaxy S26 Ultra‘s design without risking S Pen functionality, finally offering native magnetic wireless charging.
Recent Precedent: The S25 Ultra’s Bluetooth S Pen Change
It’s worth noting that Samsung already made a change to the S Pen on the recently released Galaxy S25 Ultra, though it was a different kind of adjustment. Reports confirmed that the S Pen on the S25 Ultra lost its Bluetooth connectivity. This meant the removal of “Air Actions” and remote control features like using the S Pen as a remote camera shutter or for navigating presentations via gestures.
Samsung reportedly justified this Bluetooth removal by stating that less than 0.5% of users actively utilized these specific wireless functionalities. While this change might not impact the majority, some critics argue that removing features, even niche ones, detracts from the “ultra-premium” positioning of the device and could alienate dedicated fans who specifically choose the S Ultra for its comprehensive feature set. This past change on the S25 Ultra shows Samsung is willing to adjust the S Pen’s capabilities based on usage data or potentially other factors like space/cost savings on components (though the cost saving for Bluetooth components is argued to be minimal).
What About the Longer Term?
Beyond the rumored S26 Ultra changes, there has even been speculation (though contradicted by official statements) that future Galaxy Ultra models past 2026 might consider removing the integrated slot entirely, possibly to make room for a larger battery. However, a Samsung executive has publicly reaffirmed the S Pen’s importance to their portfolio, suggesting the stylus isn’t going away completely.
Navigating the Rumors
While the loss of the convenient built-in slot for the S Pen might disappoint some users who value its seamless integration, the potential upsides for the Galaxy S26 Ultra – namely a thinner design and the long-awaited inclusion of integrated magnetic Qi2 charging – could represent a worthwhile trade-off for others. Coupled with the confirmed removal of Bluetooth features from the S25 Ultra’s S Pen, it’s clear that Samsung is actively re-evaluating the design and technology of its signature stylus across its flagship lineup.
It’s important to remember that the information regarding the S26 Ultra and Z Fold 7 S Pens is currently based on rumors and leaks. Concrete details about Samsung’s plans are still months away from an official announcement. However, the convergence of multiple reports points towards a significant evolution for the S Pen, driven by potential benefits in phone design and functionality.
