Samsung Commits to S Pen for Galaxy S Ultra, Next-Gen Tech Postponed for S27
Samsung has affirmed its commitment to the S Pen, ensuring it will remain a core feature in future Galaxy S Ultra models. This decision comes despite recent changes, including the removal of Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra and its continued absence in the S26 Ultra. The company is actively developing advanced S Pen technology that necessitates a new display structure. However, Samsung reportedly tested a new stylus technology intended for the Galaxy S27 Ultra but has ultimately decided to postpone its implementation.
The S Pen's Enduring Role
Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Samsung MX (Mobile Experience), unequivocally confirmed the S Pen's continued integration into upcoming Galaxy S Ultra devices during a Bloomberg interview.
"We’re working on a more advanced technology within S Pen to come up with a new structure of display, so the penalty of having S Pen is diminished. S Pen will continue to be one of the core technologies."
Evolution of Stylus Technology
For over 15 years, Samsung has relied on Electromagnetic Resonance (EMR) technology for the S Pen, which requires a dedicated digitizer embedded within the device's display. An alternative, Active Electrostatic (AES) technology, operates differently; the stylus itself contains a built-in battery and internal power system to register input through the capacitive touchscreen. This typically results in a thicker stylus but eliminates the need for a display digitizer.
Samsung is reportedly developing a new stylus technology designed to combine the advantages of both AES and EMR. The ambitious goal is to eliminate the need for either a battery in the stylus or a digitizer in the display. Further potential advancements for the S Pen include the adoption of the USI 2.0 standard or a newer version. Integrating USI 2.0 could help prevent interference with Qi2 (or newer) magnetic wireless charging, potentially enabling the inclusion of both S Pen functionality and Qi2 charging magnets in future devices.
Challenges and Strategic Delays
The advent of the Qi2 wireless charging standard introduces a notable challenge: it necessitates the placement of neodymium magnets inside smartphones. These magnets can interfere with EMR-based S Pens, suggesting a potential future transition away from current EMR technology for Samsung.
Despite the ongoing development and testing, Samsung ultimately decided to postpone the adoption of a new stylus technology it had tested for the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The specific reason for this delay has not been disclosed by the company.
It is speculated that the company may be waiting for its new technology to further mature before introducing it into upcoming Galaxy S Ultra devices.