Is the S Pen Still Relevant? Exploring Samsung’s Shift with the Galaxy S27 Ultra

Samsung has long been a brand known for pushing boundaries in smartphone innovation. For years, one of its defining features—the S Pen—stood as a testament to the brand’s commitment to productivity and precision. Initially introduced with the Galaxy Note series, the S Pen became a fan favourite, appealing to power users, digital artists, and productivity enthusiasts. However, recent developments, including its rumoured exclusion from the Galaxy S27 Ultra, suggest that this iconic tool may soon be relegated to history. We explore the reasons behind Samsung’s shifting strategy, the impact on loyal users, and what the future might hold for the S Pen.

1. The Legacy of the S Pen: A Brief History

The S Pen debuted in 2011 with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note, creating a new niche for stylus-based smartphones. It was more than just a stylus—it offered pressure sensitivity, air commands, Bluetooth functionality, and, later, remote control features for presentations, photos, and more.

Over the years, the S Pen evolved into a powerful productivity tool, setting Samsung apart in a crowded market.

2. Galaxy Note to Galaxy S Ultra: A Transitional Phase

When Samsung discontinued the Note series, many feared that the S Pen was on its way out. However, Samsung surprised its fan base by incorporating the S Pen and its dedicated slot into the Galaxy S Ultra series, starting with the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

While this move kept the stylus alive, the integration wasn’t as central as in the Note line. Software features stagnated, and the stylus began to feel more like an afterthought than a key feature.

3. The Galaxy S25 Ultra Controversy: Bluetooth Removed

Rumours suggest that the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra will remove the features of the S Pen. This move has sparked outrage among loyalists who’ve come to depend on features like remote photo capture and PowerPoint slide control.

Removing Bluetooth support is a significant downgrade. It’s a signal that Samsung may be deprioritizing the S Pen in favour of sleeker hardware or streamlining internal space.

4. What the Galaxy S27 Ultra Might Mean for the S Pen

Tipster @Jukanlosreve recently shared that the Galaxy S27 Ultra might ship without a dedicated S Pen slot. This aligns with rumours suggesting Samsung’s slow march away from stylus integration.

Without a slot, users would need to purchase the S Pen separately and carry it in an external case, similar to how it’s handled in the Galaxy Z Fold series.

5. Space and Slimness: The New Design Philosophy

A big part of Samsung’s design evolution is making phones thinner and lighter. The rumoured Galaxy Z Fold 7 exemplifies this shift. Sources suggest that removing the S Pen digitizer was crucial in achieving a thinner profile.

This hints at a broader company philosophy: prioritizing aesthetics and compactness over functionality, at least regarding the S Pen.

6. Comparing the S Pen to Apple’s Pencil Strategy

Samsung may be taking a page from Apple’s book. Unlike Samsung’s integrated approach in the past, Apple has always kept the Apple Pencil as a separate accessory. The Pencil isn’t stored inside the iPad—it’s magnetically attached externally.

Samsung’s new direction could align with this model, treating the S Pen more as a niche accessory than a core feature.

7. The Case for Keeping the S Pen Alive

Despite changes, a loyal community still uses the S Pen daily. From digital artists and students to business professionals, the S Pen provides unique functionality:

• Note-taking on the fly
• Precision drawing and sketching
• Air gestures and remote control
• Screenshot editing and annotations

Removing features or slots reduces convenience for these users and could push them toward alternative brands or devices.

8. Foldables and the Future: A Divided Focus

The introduction of foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold has shifted focus away from the traditional slab phone. While Z Fold supports S Pen, it lacks an internal slot, again suggesting a downgraded commitment to stylus support.

There are rumours that the Z Fold 7 may not support the S Pen, mirroring decisions made in the Z Fold Special Edition.

This raises the question: Will the S Pen become a relic in Samsung’s foldable-dominated future?

9. A Shift in User Behavior

Consumer behaviour has evolved. Voice commands, gesture controls, and touch interfaces have advanced so that many casual users don’t need a stylus.

Samsung might be reacting to usage data showing that most Galaxy Ultra users don’t regularly use the S Pen, which is a likely reason why features are slowly being trimmed.

10. What Should Samsung Do Next?

Samsung is at a crossroads. If the company does decide to move away from the S Pen, it should at least offer:

• Optional S Pen bundles with cases
• Enhanced Bluetooth-enabled models
• Greater support for foldable devices and tablets
• Software incentives for using the S Pen (like exclusive features)

Power users feel valued and supported this way, even if the mainstream direction changes.

Wrap Up: A Bittersweet Goodbye?

The S Pen is more than just a stylus—it symbolizes Samsung’s drive for innovation and productivity. But as the smartphone landscape shifts toward slimmer designs, foldable, and accessory minimalism, its place seems increasingly uncertain.

If the rumours about the Galaxy S27 Ultra are accurate, we may witness the gradual phasing out of an icon. For die-hard S Pen users, it’s a call to speak up and demand better. It’s an opportunity for Samsung to rethink how it balances form and function.

Only time will tell whether the S Pen will become a relic of the past or evolve into something even more powerful and adaptable in Samsung’s future ecosystem.

Selva Ganesh

Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Science Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger with 8+ years in the field. He completed courses about Google News Initiative. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.