Samsung might be planning a major design change for future Galaxy Ultra models by removing the built-in S Pen slot. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra looks set to feature an integrated S Pen, future iterations of the Ultra flagships may ditch the built-in stylus to free up internal space for other enhancements. The S Pen should still be available as a separate purchase.
Samsung mulls removing the built-in S Pen from Ultra flagships
Ever since Samsung discontinued the Galaxy Note series, the S Pen has been a defining feature of Ultra flagships. Unfortunately, keeping it built into the phone requires sacrificing space that could be used for a larger battery, better cooling, or new hardware innovations — or make the device thinner. Now, according to X user @PandaFlashPro, Samsung is considering removing the built-in S Pen in future models.
It may not be a bad decision as long as the Korean behemoth keeps S Pen support intact. It removed Bluetooth functions from the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra to make it lighter. If future Ultra models transition to an external S Pen, Samsung could bring back Bluetooth features like camera controls and other remote gestures.
This may not happen with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, though. Next year’s flagship is expected to continue the S Pen experience similar to the S25 Ultra — without Bluetooth. However, if Samsung decides to remove the built-in slot in future Ultra models, users may need to carry an external S Pen, much like with the Galaxy Z Fold series. In that case, the company should offer a case with an S Pen holder.
There are also rumors of Samsung introducing new S Pen technology later this year, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The upcoming Fold may not require a digitizer to read S Pen input, making it slimmer and lighter. Samsung could adopt this solution in future Ultra models, further helping it achieve the goal of slimmer phones with big batteries.
