The Samsung Galaxy S Ultra series, carrying the torch from the beloved Galaxy Note line, has long been defined by its integrated S Pen stylus. However, a significant rumor suggests this signature feature’s built-in home might be disappearing soon, potentially starting with the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Reports from reliable leakers, particularly originating from sources in China, speculate that Samsung is planning to remove the dedicated S Pen slot from its top-tier flagship phone. This isn’t just a minor design tweak; it would represent a fundamental shift for a device lineage known for housing the stylus internally.
Why the Change? Samsung’s Evolving Focus
This potential move doesn’t appear out of the blue. Some see it as a continuation of changes already underway. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, for instance, reportedly shipped with an S Pen that lacked key features like Bluetooth Air Actions, a decision that may have disappointed loyalists but also signaled a possible reduction in the stylus’s importance for the flagship S series.
Furthermore, the rumor aligns with Samsung’s broader strategic push towards slimmer device designs. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, for example, is rumored to achieve its svelte profile partly by making compromises related to stylus input, potentially removing the S Pen digitizer or even full support in some versions, similar to past special editions.
Removing the built-in S Pen slot from the Galaxy S27 Ultra would free up valuable internal space. This newly available real estate could then be utilized for other critical components, such as incorporating a larger battery for enhanced longevity or implementing a more sophisticated cooling system to boost performance and thermal management – practical benefits cited by leaksters.
Learning from the Z Fold Approach
While the concept of an S Pen without a dedicated slot might seem radical for the S Ultra, Samsung already has a precedent in its lineup: the Galaxy Z Fold series. These foldable phones have supported the S Pen for several generations, but users must purchase the stylus separately and rely on external cases for storage, an approach sometimes described as an “awkward external solution.”
Samsung could presumably adopt a similar model for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, making the S Pen an optional accessory rather than an integrated staple.
Implications and the Road Ahead
If this rumor proves true, removing the built-in S Pen slot from the Galaxy S27 Ultra would mark one of the most drastic design changes for the series. It risks significant fan backlash from users who cherish the convenience and legacy of the integrated stylus.
This decision would clearly signal a diminishing role for the S Pen within Samsung’s premium candybar smartphone strategy. Some speculate that this could even be the first step towards the S Pen eventually being phased out from the S Ultra line entirely in the future. For many devoted users, it would truly feel like the “end of an era” for a feature that has defined Samsung’s top-tier phone experience for years.
While the internal benefits of freeing up space for battery or cooling are clear, the potential loss of the iconic built-in S Pen slot on the Galaxy S27 Ultra would represent a major departure, shifting the S Ultra’s identity significantly.
