Seoul, South Korea – July 17, 2025: In a move sure to excite power users and Note-series loyalists, Samsung has dropped its strongest hint yet that stylus support could be returning to its flagship foldable line. During a recent internal meeting broadcast to employees, Samsung Mobile President TM Roh addressed persistent fan feedback, specifically acknowledging the desire for S Pen integration on Galaxy Z Fold devices.
"We hear you," Roh stated, according to sources familiar with the meeting, reported exclusively by ET News. "The passion for the S Pen experience, especially on larger screens, is something we deeply understand and are continuously evaluating for our foldable portfolio." While stopping short of a direct confirmation, Roh's comments mark a significant shift from Samsung's previous stance, where S Pen support vanished after the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
A Feature Lost and Lamented
The Galaxy Z Fold 3, launched in 2021, remains the only Fold model to offer native S Pen support. While innovative, the implementation faced challenges: the S Pen required a specific Fold Edition due to the softer screen protector, and crucially, the device itself lacked a dedicated silo to store the stylus. Subsequent generations, the Z Fold 4 and the recently released Z Fold 6, omitted S Pen compatibility entirely. Samsung cited design constraints, particularly the difficulty of integrating a stylus slot without compromising the device's thinness, battery size, or overall durability.
However, the omission has been a consistent point of criticism from productivity-focused users and artists who cherished the precision of the S Pen on the Fold's expansive inner display. Forums and social media have been rife with pleas for its return. Community discussions, like this detailed visual comparison of the Fold 6 and rumored Fold 7 prototypes, often highlight the S Pen as a top-requested feature.
Signs Pointing Towards a Return
Beyond Roh's recent comments, several indicators suggest Samsung is seriously working on bringing the S Pen back:
- Patents: Samsung has filed numerous patents over the past 18 months showcasing foldable phone designs with integrated S Pen slots. These range from slots built into the hinge mechanism to novel placements within the device's frame.
- Industry Sources: Supply chain analysts and tipsters have periodically mentioned ongoing internal testing of Fold prototypes featuring S Pen housings. The challenge reportedly remains balancing the slot with other critical components.
- Software Focus: Samsung's One UI software, especially features like enhanced multi-window multitasking, Air Command, and note-taking apps, continues to evolve in ways that heavily leverage stylus input, suggesting a long-term commitment to the S Pen ecosystem. You can see the current S Pen accessories ecosystem here on Amazon.
Why It Matters
The return of S Pen support would be a major differentiator for the Galaxy Z Fold line. It would:
- Unlock True Productivity: Transform the Fold into an even more potent laptop replacement for note-taking, document markup, and detailed creative work.
- Appeal to Note Legacy Users: Attract users who still mourn the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note series but desire cutting-edge foldable tech.
- Enhance Creativity: Provide artists and designers with a large, portable canvas combined with Samsung's industry-leading stylus technology.
- Strengthen Ecosystem: Further integrate the Fold experience with Samsung's tablets, like the S9 series, which also feature S Pen support.
Challenges and Questions Remain
While the teaser is exciting, significant questions linger:
- Integration: Will Samsung solve the storage issue with a built-in silo, or will it require a separate Fold Edition S Pen again (seen as a less ideal solution by many)?
- Durability: How will adding a slot impact the device's structural rigidity and IP rating?
- Timeline: Is this targeted for the expected Galaxy Z Fold 7 (likely late 2025/early 2026), or a later model like the Fold 8? Analysts speculate the Fold 7 might be a more iterative upgrade, pushing major changes like S Pen integration to 2026.
- Screen Protector: Will the ultra-thin glass (UTG) and screen protector be robust enough to handle frequent S Pen use without damage concerns?
Community Reaction
The news has been met with enthusiasm in the foldable community. "This is the only thing holding me back from upgrading from my Fold 3," commented one user on a popular tech subreddit. "If the Fold 7 or 8 has an S Pen slot, it's an instant buy for me," echoed another.
The Bottom Line
Samsung President TM Roh's acknowledgment of consumer demand for S Pen support on Galaxy Z Fold devices is the clearest signal yet that the company is actively pursuing its return. While engineering challenges around integration and durability persist, Samsung appears committed to overcoming them. If successful, adding native S Pen support could be the killer feature that solidifies the Galaxy Z Fold's position as the ultimate productivity and creativity powerhouse in the smartphone market. Foldable enthusiasts and S Pen aficionados should keep a very close eye on upcoming Samsung Unpacked events. The stylus might just be making a dramatic comeback.
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