Samsung is reportedly rethinking its S Pen technology for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, aiming to make the device slimmer while retaining the stylus functionality.
According to a report by ETNews, the company plans to replace its current electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology with active electrostatic (AES) tech, a system similar to Apple’s approach with the iPad’s Apple Pencil.
This change would eliminate the need for an additional EMR layer under the display, which contributes to the device’s thickness. Instead, AES technology shifts the power source to the stylus itself, allowing the display to remain thinner and lighter.
While this move aligns with Samsung’s goal of making its foldable devices sleeker, it introduces a notable trade-off. Unlike the current S Pen, which doesn’t require charging, the new stylus would need a battery to function.
This change mirrors Apple’s stylus design, which requires users to manage charging. However, since Samsung doesn’t integrate the S Pen directly into the Fold series, finding a convenient charging solution might be less of a challenge.
The switch to AES also brings other potential benefits, including the use of a titanium backplate behind the display instead of the current carbon fiber material. This would not only improve the device’s durability but also help avoid interference with the new digitizer.
The revamped S Pen is expected to debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in 2025. While the shift could make the device significantly thinner, it remains to be seen how Samsung will address the added inconvenience of charging the stylus.
Fans are also hopeful that the company avoids impractical solutions, such as requiring the stylus to charge through the USB-C port.
