The flagship Samsung Galaxy S Ultra series has been known with the S Pen after it discontinued the Note series. According to leaker @PandaFlashPro, the company is exploring a shift in design strategy for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, expected in 2027. Reports reveal that the change could lead to the removal of the S Pen slot. This means that users will have to buy and carry the stylus separately, which may not be convenient. However, this will not be the first time Samsung is using such an approach. Recall that in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra supports the S Pen, but there was no storage slot in the phone.
Gradual feature reduction signals shift
The action seems to be part of a larger shift that has already started. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has since started the cut down of features. For instance, Air Actions and the remote camera shutter, both Bluetooth-dependent features of the S Pen, have been removed.
Also, there are reports that Samsung will ditch stylus support in its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold SE. This is a major shift from prior design priorities in its high-end devices. However, despite these changes, Samsung has not officially confirmed that it is fully ditching the S Pen for its devices.
The S Pen is still a “core element” of the Galaxy product line, according to company executives in March. Nevertheless, Samsung may take a different approach. It will likely remove the S Pen from the device without giving up on stylus support. S Pen users will probably have to store the gadget on an external surface.
Can this removal be a good thing? Yes. The company will have more space to increase the battery size or even add new parts like better sensors. However, for those who regularly use this tool, its removal will do more harm than good.
Consumer concerns over pricing and value
Customers are becoming increasingly concerned that the perceived value may decrease if Samsung removes the integrated S Pen while maintaining the same high price tag. Additionally, a separate stylus could be more expensive and more likely to be misplaced. When deciding on the final design of upcoming Ultra models, the company will need to consider these factors.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is anticipated to launch in 2026, will continue to use the current integrated design. The Galaxy S27 series increases the likelihood of any significant structural changes, allowing Samsung more time to assess consumer reaction and complete its long-term hardware plan.
