The relationship between Samsung ‘s foldable phones and the S Pen has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Many users consider the stylus an essential tool for a tablet-sized screen. However, the company recently prioritized ultra-thin designs, which led to the removal of the S Pen digitizer in the latest models. That said, new industry murmurs suggest that the S Pen is making a comeback, although perhaps not where most fans expected it—on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 —but on the rumored Samsung’s “wide” Galaxy foldable .
Samsung’s rumored wide foldable phone might boast S Pen support
Current rumors indicate that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 might continue the trend of skipping stylus support to maintain a slim profile. But now, an entirely different device is entering the picture. Recent reports claim that Samsung is developing a “wide” foldable model. This isn’t just a slight variation of the existing design but a direct response to the long-rumored iPhone Fold . Rumors say that the Apple device will feature a more panoramic inner display than the tall and narrow aspect ratio Samsung has traditionally used.
This wider canvas provides the perfect excuse to bring the S Pen back into the fold. A broader screen naturally lends itself to digital art, professional note-taking, and complex multitasking—tasks where a stylus truly shines.
The engineering trade-off
Reintroducing the S Pen isn’t as simple as just enabling software. It usually requires a digitizer layer under the display, which adds physical thickness. This explains why the “standard” Fold 8 might stay stylus-free to remain as light and thin as possible. A wider Galaxy Fold would have a slightly chunkier form factor, allowing the firm to accommodate the extra hardware.
There is also talk of Samsung exploring chip-based workarounds that could allow stylus input without the bulky hardware layers of the past. Whether they use a traditional digitizer or a new technical shortcut, the goal remains the same: reclaiming the user base that felt left behind when the stylus was sidelined.
Expanding the family
This move fits into Samsung’s recent strategy of diversifying its foldable phone portfolio. You have already seen the introduction of “FE” Flip models and even experimental tri-fold devices. So, the company is no longer sticking to a “one-size-fits-all” approach. A dedicated wide-screen foldable model with S Pen support will allow Samsung to compete with Apple’s hardware layout while offering a feature that the iPhone likely won’t have at launch.
While we wait for official confirmation, the tech community is looking toward early 2026 for answers. If these rumors hold up, we could see a shift where users can finally choose between a device that disappears into their pocket and one that acts as a true mobile workstation. For those who miss the precision of the S Pen on a big, foldable screen, the wait might nearly be over.
