NEW YORK, June 22, 2025
S Pen’s sunset?
Could the Galaxy S27 Ultra be the last of its kind?
- The Galaxy S27 Ultra might lose the S Pen slot.
- Samsung is focusing on slimmer designs.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 7 might ditch the S Pen digitizer.
- This could signal the eventual end of the S Pen.
Rumors are swirling that the Galaxy S27 Ultra may ditch the dedicated S Pen slot, marking a possible turning point for the future of the S Pen stylus on Samsung’s flagship phones.
The initial sting of samsung’s decision to remove the S Pen’s Bluetooth capabilities in the Galaxy S25 ultra may foreshadow a larger trend: the S Pen losing its prominence in Samsung’s flagship devices.
End of an Era?
A tipster, @Jukanlosreve, shared a prediction on X from a “leaker with a solid track record in China” suggesting that the galaxy S27 Ultra will be the first to lose the built-in S Pen.
when the Galaxy Note series was discontinued and integrated into the Galaxy S ultra line, the slot remained, but the S Pen features aren’t as prominent as they once were.
A Slimmer Future
Samsung appears to be prioritizing slimmer devices. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 exemplifies this shift. Reports indicate that one strategy for achieving the Z Fold 7’s slim profile is to remove the S Pen’s digitizer and emulate Apple’s approach for stylus input.
Some rumors even suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might completely abandon S Pen support, similar to the slimmer Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.
What’s the Alternative?
Is the S Pen becoming a relic of the past? Samsung could adopt a similar approach to the Galaxy Z Fold phones,which support the S Pen but don’t have a dedicated slot. Users buy the S Pen separately, often with a case to store it. If Samsung chooses this path for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, the question becomes: what’s next?
It’s possible the S Pen will eventually be phased out altogether.
Even though the Galaxy Z Fold phones have supported the S Pen for a few years now, they don’t have a dedicated slot in the frame for the stylus. It’s sold separately for the phones and you can buy a case to store it alongside the device.
The Big Picture: Samsung’s Shifting Strategy
The potential removal of the S Pen slot in the Galaxy S27 Ultra is not an isolated decision. It reflects broader trends in the smartphone market and Samsung’s evolving product strategy. one key factor influencing this shift is the drive towards sleeker,more streamlined device designs.
While the S Pen has been synonymous with the Galaxy Note series and, subsequently, the ultra line, its physical presence adds bulk. Removing the slot would contribute to a thinner phone,catering to consumer demand for pocket-kind devices. However, such a move sparks a discussion about the balance between form and function.
The impact extends beyond aesthetics. Integrating the S Pen into future Samsung devices could necessitate changes in overall design philosophy. Additionally, the company might be reevaluating the features and capabilities it chooses to prioritize, and possibly how it can still deliver the S Pen experience.
why the Change? Analyzing the Push
Design Priorities and market Trends
The quest for thinner phones is evident across the industry. Apple, for exmaple, has consistently emphasized sleek designs. Samsung appears to be following suit, making choices to match this trend.Compromises are often necessary to achieve this goal,and a feature like the S Pen slot could be a target for elimination.
Shifting Focus on Foldables and More
Samsung’s foldable phones, such as the Galaxy Z Fold series, represent a different design approach. These devices integrate S Pen support without a built-in slot, allowing users to purchase the stylus separately. This strategy could influence offerings across the Ultra or perhaps more premium devices.
Additionally, the focus on advancements in AI could influence and impact functionality. If new AI features can replicate many of the S Pen’s core functions, its need might be reduced.
Cost and Production Efficiency
Removing the S Pen slot can ultimately reduce manufacturing costs,which could potentially translate into lower prices for consumers. A simpler design can also streamline production processes and improve efficiency. Samsung continues to deal with component shortages, and reducing components where possible could improve device availability. However,removing a flagship feature like the S pen may impact consumer perception and brand identity.
Impact on Users
For longtime S Pen users, the potential loss of the built-in slot and even the stylus could be more than just a design shift. Those who rely on the stylus for productivity might be forced to adapt.
- Workflow Changes: users accustomed to the convenience of having the S Pen readily available might need to adjust their workflow.
- Accessory Costs: Although optional, the cost to replace the stylus might become a concern if broken or lost.
- User Experience: A separate S Pen might not be as integrated and could require more effort to bring/use.
Will Samsung replace the S Pen with new features? This is a key question. The company may offer compelling alternatives to maintain user satisfaction. Innovative solutions might be aimed at making the stylus an even more integral part of the device experience.
Will the S Pen’s functionality be entirely lost if the slot is removed? Not necessarily,Samsung has other approaches. Samsung can still offer the S Pen as an accessory, allowing users to decide
Table of Contents
