Samsung Says S Pen Could Return to Galaxy Z Fold Phones if Thin Design Can Be Preserved

Samsung has indicated that S Pen support could make a comeback on future Galaxy Z Fold smartphones, but only if the company can maintain the slim and lightweight design that now defines its latest foldable devices. The statement offers hope to long-time Galaxy Fold users who have missed stylus functionality since Samsung removed it from the lineup.

The company first introduced S Pen compatibility with the Galaxy Z Fold 3, turning the large inner display into a more capable productivity tool for note-taking, sketching, and document editing. That support continued through the Galaxy Z Fold 6 before Samsung dropped the feature on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to reduce the device's thickness and weight. The newly announced Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra also ship without S Pen compatibility.

According to Tom's Guide, Samsung's Vice President of Mobile R&D Hardware, Moon Sung-hoon, addressed the future of the S Pen during an interview ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event held on July 22. He explained that Samsung is actively evaluating new technologies that could integrate the required digitizer layer while keeping future foldables thinner and lighter.

Moon added that every Galaxy Z Fold generation is designed around a specific product goal. For the current lineup, Samsung prioritized a thinner profile, reduced weight, and improved portability without sacrificing the immersive large-screen experience. Those design objectives ultimately took precedence over bringing back stylus support.

Samsung has previously suggested that the S Pen remains an important part of its long-term strategy. Earlier this year, Samsung MX Chief Operating Officer Choi Won-joon told Bloomberg that the company is developing next-generation S Pen technology alongside a redesigned display architecture aimed at reducing the compromises required for stylus support. He also described the S Pen as one of Samsung's core technologies, reinforcing the company's commitment to the feature.

For now, Galaxy Z Fold users looking for S Pen functionality will have to rely on older compatible models such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, Samsung's latest comments suggest the company has not abandoned the idea. If engineers can solve the challenge of combining a thin chassis with advanced stylus hardware, the S Pen could eventually return to the Galaxy Z Fold series.

FAQ

Will the Galaxy Z Fold 8 support the S Pen?

No. Neither the Galaxy Z Fold 8 nor the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra supports the S Pen.

Why did Samsung remove S Pen support?

Samsung removed the required digitizer layer to make the Galaxy Z Fold series thinner, lighter, and easier to carry.

Is Samsung bringing the S Pen back?

Samsung says it is exploring new technologies that could allow S Pen support to return in future Galaxy Z Fold models without increasing the device's thickness.