Samsung S26 Ultra to Abandon S-Pen: What to Expect Next

Evolution of Smartphones and the S-Pen
Over the past few decades, smartphones have undergone significant evolution, leading to the familiar designs we see today. While many features, such as styluses and lanyard holes, have faded away, a few brands have maintained these traditions. Notably, Samsung's S-Pen and Motorola's G-Stylus are among the last vestiges of stylus technology, but it seems Samsung may soon phase out the S-Pen.
Recent reports, particularly from a tech outlet, suggest that Samsung is contemplating a shift in its strategy regarding the S-Pen for the forthcoming S26 Ultra. According to a leak, the company plans to eliminate the S-Pen from this model, opting instead for features already seen in the Z Fold and other recent devices.
New Developments in S-Pen Technology
S-Pen Digitizer
— PandaFlash 𝕏 (@PandaFlashPro) June 25, 2025
"Currently, Samsung Now has New S-Pen Tech, and Samsung is Ready to use it in the Ultra" https://t.co/I0JLRA5oBL
Instead of integrating an S-Pen that fits into the device, Samsung is expected to introduce a separate digital pen that users will need to carry alongside the phone, similar to Apple's approach. This change will allow Samsung to incorporate a magnetic ring that supports Qi2 wireless charging, moving away from the special rings used in the S25 series for MagSafe compatibility.
The leaker also mentioned that the technology utilized in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be applied to the S26 Ultra. This new device will feature an active S-Pen that does not retract into the phone's body, requiring users to carry it separately, akin to the current Samsung foldable models.