Enthusiasts of Samsung's S-Pen can look forward to positive developments
Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable device, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, marking a shift in design that prioritizes slimness over the inclusion of the popular S-Pen. The device, the slimmest in Samsung's foldable phone lineup, has raised questions about the future of the S-Pen.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, measuring just 8.9 mm folded and 4.2 mm unfolded, represents a significant step forward in terms of thinness and durability, thanks to the removal of the S-Pen's digitizer layer[1][3]. The previous model, the Fold 6, was thicker, with dimensions of 12.1 mm and 5.6 mm, respectively[3].
Samsung's design philosophy for the Fold 7 focused on thinness and hand feel, resulting in a "one in, one out" feature balance, with the S-Pen's digitizer layer being sacrificed for a more compact form factor[3]. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, as the S-Pen was a beloved feature for many users of previous Fold models[4].
However, Samsung has not abandoned the S-Pen for foldables permanently. The company's Mobile Experience Business executive, Kang Min-seok, has stated that Samsung is actively researching and developing "thinner and more innovative technologies" for the S-Pen[2][3]. The key challenge is delivering S-Pen functionality without compromising on the device’s slimness and durability.
Speculation suggests Samsung is evaluating active electrostatic (AES) technology, which could allow a stylus to operate without requiring a built-in digitizer layer[5]. This would be a significant technical leap, as current S-Pens rely on a digitizer embedded in the display. Reports indicate Samsung is still in the development phase for such solutions and has not committed to a timeline for their implementation in future Z Fold models[2].
Here's a summary of the current state and future direction of the S-Pen:
| Device | S-Pen Support | Reason for Change | Future Possibility | |-----------------------|----------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Yes | Standard feature | — | | Galaxy Z Fold 7 | No | Thinner, more durable design | Maybe in future, with new tech | | Future Z Fold Devices | Not yet supported | Under development (AES, etc.) | Likely if tech and demand align |
The return of the S-Pen to the Z Fold series will depend on both technological breakthroughs and clear consumer demand[2][3]. The executive's statement suggests that the S-Pen has a long-term future, which may appease those with a soft spot for it. The removal of the S-Pen from the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has sparked debate about the direction of Samsung's stylus technology, but the promise of something even smaller suggests potential innovation.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its slim design, has temporarily discarded the S-Pen digitizer layer for a more compact form factor. Samsung's Mobile Experience Business executive, Kang Min-seok, hints at the future possibility of the S-Pen reemerging in foldable devices, through the development of thinner and innovative technologies.
