As Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra today, the S Pen didn't get a flashy promo, and for a good reason. That's because it remains unchanged from the one found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, there's one subtle change that will annoy most users. Here are all the new Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen features, limitations and everything else you need to know about.
Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen only fits one way
For the last few generations, the S Pen was rectangular but symmetrical enough that you could slide it into the slot with the button facing either the screen or the back of the phone. It didn't matter because the sides of the Galaxy S25 Ultra were mostly flat. Well, that changes with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as the S Pen on it can only be inserted with the button facing upward, or it will protrude.
This is due to one of the major design changes in Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra, where the edges of the phone are now more curved. Since the S Pen fits at the very sides of the phone, this means Samsung had to curve the top tip of the S Pen to achieve a flush and seamless feel. This is why the S Pen on the Galaxy S26 Ultra only goes one way.
Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen hardware remains the same
Just like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's S Pen excludes Bluetooth and is a passive EMR stylus. This means there's no internal battery, and the Stylus doesn't charge.
Since there's no wireless connection, you cannot use it as a remote shutter for the camera or to wave at the screen to change slides. This cements that Bluetooth features are gone for good and may never return. Due to this, the Galaxy S26 Ultra loses out on the following features:
- Swiping slides wirelessly
- Controlling audio and media playback
- Capturing photos with the button
- Air Actions
- Recording voice notes
The reason Samsung removed the Bluetooth-powered S Pen was due to low demand. Therefore, you will need to purchase a Galaxy S24 Ultra to enjoy the Bluetooth-powered S-Pen. Reports point to Samsung gradually phasing out the S Pen on its Ultra smartphones in favour of a bigger battery.
This move finally rests any hopes about Samsung bringing a Bluetooth-powered S Pen to future models. However, we'd like to be hopeful about its return as it was one of the best, nifty features on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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