Samsung Reinvented its S Pen for Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition

Samsung may have reinvented its S Pen for the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. The latest rumor suggests that the slim new foldable makes the S Pen work without a digitizer. The phone could launch later this month or in October but may not be available globally.

The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition employs a different S Pen technology

Allegedly measuring 10.6mm when folded and 4.9mm when unfolded, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is Samsung’s slimmest foldable yet. Early rumors said the company achieved this by removing S Pen support from the phone, which eliminated the need for a digitizer. However, a reliable tipster recently revealed that the slim foldable still supports the S Pen.

A display industry expert confirmed the same, shedding more light on the matter. Ross Young, the CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), said the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition doesn’t have a traditional digitizer. Samsung removed it to reduce thickness and cost. The company has allegedly come up with “another way to make the S Pen work.”

This is an interesting revelation. Samsung currently offers two types of S Pen with Galaxy devices. Flagship models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 6 use an active stylus method featuring a digitizer in the display assembly. It’s a complex system where the S Pen has its own power source. It enables more advanced features like air actions.

Cheaper devices like the Fan Edition tablets use a passive stylus method. The S Pen in this case is a simple stylus with no power source. It imitates touches from your fingertips and offers a basic set of features. This S Pen method doesn’t require a digitizer and works with almost any touchscreen. The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition appears to employ neither existing method.

No digitizer means it’s different from the Fold 6, while Young’s words suggest it isn’t a passive stylus either. Samsung may have reinvented its S Pen to give the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition users the best foldable experience. Unfortunately, the device is primarily made for China and may not be available globally. Stay tuned for its official launch in a few weeks.