IsthSamsung’s Design Shift May Turn S Pen Into a Premium Add-On, Like Apple’s Strategy with Pencil

 

Samsung’s iconic S Pen might be heading toward a big shift in the Galaxy S Ultra series. A new report hints that the built-in S Pen slot could disappear in future models, with the change expected to start with the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

 

From Note Legacy to Ultra Line: Galaxy S Ultra

 

For years now, one of the distinctive factors of the Galaxy S Ultra line has been the integration of the stylus. The S Pen was once the sole heritage of the Note series and would eventually find a place in the Ultra lineup after the demise of the Note. That design may soon be changed as Samsung is considering room optimization for its flagship phones.

 

Why Samsung Might Ditch the S Pen Slot

 

Sources suggest the main reason behind this move is space optimization. Samsung may use the extra room to increase battery capacity or improve internal cooling. Currently, the Ultra line maxes out at a 5,000 mAh battery. With increasing demands for longer screen time and powerful features, Samsung appears ready to trade the stylus slot for stronger performance.

 

Galaxy S26 Ultra May Keep the Slot—For Now

 

Interestingly, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still expected to come with a dedicated S Pen slot. But beyond that, nothing is guaranteed. While the stylus itself is not going away, it could become an external add-on, much like it is for the Galaxy Z Fold series.

 

Hints from the Galaxy S25 Ultra

 

The early hints from Galaxy S25 Ultra indicated the departure. Several important S Pen features like Air Actions were stripped of Bluetooth connectivity by Samsung. It gave an impression of moving away from the stylus-first experience that existed for the earlier ultra fans. The community caught on and reacted with much angst online. Many declared it to be the symbol of productivity, and its built-in loss raised fears in all.

 

How Samsung Could Redesign the Stylus Experience

 

One potential path forward for Samsung could be the use of strong magnets to hold the pen externally. This idea mirrors what is already in use for foldable phones. Another possibility is a separate case or accessory to carry the stylus alongside the phone.

 

Design Trade-Offs Still Under Review

 

The tipster who first shared the leak noted that Samsung is still finalizing plans. The company has not made an official announcement. But there is talk that reducing the number of camera sensors and adopting variable aperture technology could also help reclaim space for bigger batteries and faster chips.

 

S Pen Will Stay, But Its Role May Change

 

Samsung has reassured that the S Pen will remain a part of the ecosystem. However, its form and how it’s included may evolve with future devices. If the Galaxy S27 Ultra arrives without the slot, it will mark a major departure from the Ultra design language.

 

A New Balance in the Samsung Flagship Lineup

 

The shift reflects the ongoing balance between design, functionality, and performance. The Ultra series has always aimed to deliver top specs. Now, that goal may come at the cost of one of its most defining features.