Samsung May Bring Back S Pen Stylus For Future Foldable Phones

Samsung might bring back the S Pen stylus for its foldable phones. This comes after they removed it from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and as Apple is rumored to enter the foldable market.
By Newsroom | Technology, Mobile Phones |

Samsung appears to be reconsidering the integration of its signature S Pen stylus into future foldable devices, a move apparently spurred by the anticipated entry of competitors like Apple into the expanding foldable market. Following the recent discontinuation of S Pen support on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company has signaled a potential return for the stylus, though not necessarily on the immediate successor, the Galaxy Z Fold 8. This strategic pivot suggests a response to evolving market dynamics and user expectations for stylus functionality on larger screen devices.

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The decision to reintroduce stylus support appears directly linked to Samsung's strategy to compete with a rumored Apple iPhone Fold, described as a "book-style" foldable. Reports suggest Samsung is developing a wider, book-style foldable model specifically designed to counter Apple's rumored hardware layout and leverage a feature the iPhone might lack at launch. This wider format, distinct from the slimmer profile prioritized in the Z Fold 7, is seen as crucial for re-establishing stylus parity and offering a distinct advantage.

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Samsung's current stance indicates that while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 sacrificed stylus support for a thinner design, the company is actively researching new technologies to potentially reincorporate the S Pen. This experimentation includes exploring different stylus input formats, possibly drawing inspiration from technologies like the Apple Pencil. The company has previously stated that consumer demand was a factor in removing stylus support, and executives have indicated a willingness to bring it back if such demand materializes or if the technology reaches desired performance benchmarks.

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The landscape of foldable phones is shifting, with other manufacturers also embracing stylus integration. Motorola's upcoming Razr Fold is noted for offering stylus support, while OnePlus technically had stylus compatibility with the Oppo variant, though no stylus was sold. This broader trend suggests a growing recognition of the utility of styluses on foldable devices, which offer tablet-sized displays.

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Background:

The S Pen has historically been a key feature of Samsung's premium Galaxy Note and certain Galaxy S series smartphones, as well as earlier iterations of its foldable devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 was the last model to officially support the S Pen. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, released in mid-2025, notably dropped this functionality, with Samsung citing efforts to achieve a thinner and lighter form factor. This move, while lauded for its design achievement, drew criticism from some users who considered the stylus an essential tool for productivity on a device with a large screen. The Galaxy Z TriFold, also released in late 2025, officially confirmed its lack of S Pen support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 have an S Pen?
Samsung is exploring bringing back the S Pen stylus for future foldable phones, but it's not confirmed if the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will include it. They removed it from the Z Fold 7 to make it thinner.
Q: Why is Samsung thinking about bringing back the S Pen?
Samsung may be bringing back the S Pen to compete with new foldable phones from other companies, like a rumored foldable iPhone. They want to offer features users expect on large screens.
Q: Which Samsung foldable phone last had S Pen support?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was the last foldable phone to officially support the S Pen. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, released in mid-2025, did not have S Pen support.
Q: What are competitors doing with foldable phones and styluses?
Other companies are also looking at styluses for foldable phones. Motorola's new Razr Fold will have stylus support, showing a trend towards using styluses on large foldable screens.