With the debut of the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Samsung has introduced various novelties for its foldable smartphone series, but one of the most discussed omissions concerns once again the S Pen. Those hoping for the return of the historic stylus on the new foldables will have to come to terms with a definite choice by the company, which has already removed support starting from the previous Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra forgo the S Pen: here’s why Samsung said goodbye to the stylus
Samsung has confirmed that neither Galaxy Z Fold 8 nor Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are compatible with the S Pen, continuing the strategy started with the previous generation. The decision may come as a surprise given the “Ultra” positioning of the new model, a designation traditionally associated with the most complete features of the Galaxy lineup.
According to what has emerged, the stylus support has been sacrificed to achieve a very specific goal: to make foldables even thinner and lighter without compromising the user experience.
To support the pen, it is indeed necessary to integrate a digitalizer under the foldable display, an added layer that inevitably increases thickness. Samsung has preferred to remove this component to achieve a thinner design, concentrating instead on other innovations such as the new technology Flex Titanium, developed to significantly reduce the visibility of the crease and improve the robustness of the inner panel.
Samsung isn’t closing the door completely
However, the absence of the S Pen does not mean that the stylus is destined to disappear permanently from the Fold lineup.
During a Q&A session following the launch, Samsung explained that it is working on new technologies that could allow the return of the S Pen without sacrificing the ultra-thin design of the foldables. The company clarified that any reintroduction will depend on both technological evolution and user demand.
