Samsung Discontinues S Pen Support for Galaxy Z Fold 7, Cites Design Improvements
Samsung is making a significant shift with its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, removing support for the S Pen stylus. This marks a departure for the foldable line, which previously embraced the S Pen as a natural complement to its expansive, tablet-sized screen. The decision, according to a company representative, stems from a focus on achieving a thinner, lighter design and bolstering screen durability.
The first two iterations of the Z Fold lacked S Pen compatibility, a point noted by reviewers at the time. Samsung reintroduced the feature with the 2021 Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, with early assessments praising the synergy between the large display and the stylus. “The idea of using the S Pen with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a very good one. The big canvas is great to draw or take notes on,” one review stated. The S Pen has long been a defining characteristic of Samsung’s Ultra line, and a key driver for many consumers choosing the company’s premium smartphones.
However, Samsung appears to be recalibrating its strategy. Recent changes to the S Pen functionality in the Galaxy S25 Ultra—including the removal of Bluetooth capabilities and features like the remote camera shutter and presentation cursor control—hinted at a potential scaling back of stylus integration. A company spokesperson explained that usage data indicated limited adoption of these Bluetooth-enabled features, making their continued inclusion cost-prohibitive.
This trend culminates in the complete removal of S Pen support for the Z Fold 7. According to Peter Park, Senior Product Manager at Samsung Electronics America, internal data revealed that a relatively small percentage of Z Fold users actively utilized the S Pen, deeming it an “extra expense” for many. Park confirmed that the Z Fold 7 will not support any stylus, including those manufactured by third parties, and that no dedicated S Pen accessories will be available for the device.
The core reason for this change, Park explained, lies in the redesign of the Z Fold 7’s display. To achieve a slimmer profile and enhance durability, Samsung has incorporated a new Grade 4 titanium lattice. This structural improvement, however, leaves insufficient space within the display stack for the active layer required for S Pen functionality. The company prioritized strengthening the screen and minimizing the visible crease over maintaining stylus compatibility.
The decision has been met with some disappointment, with one observer characterizing it as a sacrifice of functionality for aesthetics. “The S Pen died in the name of vanity,” they stated. Despite initial hopes for a fully integrated S Pen experience, Samsung has chosen a different path, effectively ending S Pen support for the Z Fold line after a three-year run (2021-2025).
