Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra line is known for two things: massive performance and the built-in S-Pen. But the tech rumor mill has sparked a storm, claiming that the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will ditch this defining feature. The change, if real, would mark a sharp turn in Samsung’s strategy.
According to the initial leaks, Samsung was planning to remove the built-in S-Pen slot from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Instead of embedding the stylus within the phone, the company would move to a more advanced active stylus; carried separately, similar to what is expected on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra S-Pen Feature Rumor Table
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in S-Pen | Yes | No (External stylus with active tech) |
| Bluetooth Functionality | Removed | TBD |
| Stylus Type | Passive (Display Digitizer) | Active (Rumored) |
| Qi2 Wireless Charging Coil | Only via case accessory | Built-in (Rumored) |
| Fan Reaction | Mild backlash over Bluetooth loss | Strong concern over slot removal |
| Reliable Tipster Response | Ice Universe debunked slot removal rumor | Believes built-in S-Pen is staying |
| Reference | Ice Universe on X (Twitter) | |
Why the Built-in S-Pen Matters
The built-in S-Pen isn’t just a design choice, it’s an identity marker for the Ultra series. First appearing in the Note line, the stylus made its way to the Galaxy S22 Ultra and beyond, becoming a staple of power users, note-takers, and digital artists.
Removing the slot means changing user behavior. Carrying the stylus separately adds friction. There’s a reason people still prefer phones with stylus storage; it’s convenient, elegant, and always there when needed.
Passive vs Active S-Pen: The Real Issue
Samsung currently uses a passive stylus system on the Galaxy S Ultra. This method depends on a digitizer layer embedded into the display, which senses pen input. It’s compact and proven but it limits how far Samsung can evolve the S-Pen tech.
Shifting to active stylus tech would free up space and potentially bring smarter features like better tilt detection, higher sensitivity, and lower latency. However, it also means the stylus needs its own battery and Bluetooth stack and would be carried separately, unless Samsung finds another solution.
Fan Backlash over Previous S-Pen Changes
When the Galaxy S25 Ultra dropped Bluetooth functionality from the S-Pen, long-time fans were vocal. The stylus lost its ability to serve as a remote camera shutter or PowerPoint slide clicker; small things, but meaningful to dedicated users.
Removing the built-in S-Pen slot altogether could trigger even stronger pushback. Fans have already spoken once and Samsung listens when the community gets loud.
Ice Universe Rejects the Rumors
Ice Universe, a well-known and generally reliable Samsung insider, dismissed the built-in S-Pen removal rumor as “nonsense.” In a direct reply to a concerned fan on X (formerly Twitter), he pointed out the backlash over just the Bluetooth removal. Removing the slot itself, he argued, would be disastrous:
“S25 Ultra removed the Bluetooth function of the S-Pen and already got backlash from fans. Now if they remove the built-in S-Pen, won’t people revolt?! That charlatan is talking nonsense again. Don’t believe it.”
His statement carries weight. With a strong track record of accurate leaks, Ice Universe’s credibility is high. For now, his word reassures many that the slot is staying.
Strategic Design Constraints: Qi2 Coil vs S-Pen Slot
Part of the rumored reason for ditching the built-in S-Pen was to make room for Qi2 wireless charging tech, especially a magnetic coil. This would improve charging speed, alignment, and even add support for accessories like magnetic wallets or docks.
But the S-Pen slot takes up internal real estate. Engineers can’t magically create space. So, either the phone grows thicker, or something has to go. If the rumors are true, Samsung is weighing tradeoffs. If not, then Samsung may have already found a way to fit both.
What This Means for Galaxy Z Fold7
The Galaxy Z Fold7 is expected to receive a new active stylus system without an internal slot. That makes sense, Fold models already struggle with internal space. The stylus is sold separately, as it was for earlier Fold generations.
The S26 Ultra, though, isn’t space-constrained in the same way. It has more volume to work with. So unless Samsung wants to streamline all its devices into the same stylus ecosystem, there’s little incentive to force the S Ultra to follow the Fold’s path.
The Bottom Line for Samsung Users
Right now, everything beyond Ice Universe’s rebuttal is speculation. Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed any design features for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. But based on its history and how strongly fans reacted to small changes, it seems unlikely the built-in S-Pen is going away just yet.
The Ultra series serves power users. And for them, the S-Pen isn’t just a tool. It’s part of the experience. Removing it would change the character of the device. Samsung knows that.
