The latest Galaxy S26 has arrived, bringing expected improvements to processing power, battery life, and charging speeds. A new privacy display feature adds another layer of security. However, a controversial decision from last year remains – a significant feature has been stripped from the S Pen, and it’s not returning.
For those who embraced the S Pen’s wireless capabilities, this is a blow. Introduced with the Galaxy Note 10 in 2019, Bluetooth connectivity transformed the stylus into a versatile remote control. Imagine snapping photos, controlling presentations, or navigating your phone without ever touching the screen.
The removal of Bluetooth from the S Pen began with the S25 Ultra, sparking immediate backlash. Despite user disappointment, Samsung has doubled down on the decision, omitting the feature once again in the S26 Ultra. The dream of a return seems to have faded.
Samsung initially justified the change by citing low user adoption of Bluetooth-enabled S Pen features. They claimed that few people were utilizing the technology, and instead pointed users toward gesture controls on the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch as alternatives.
However, these alternatives come at a steep price. The current Galaxy Watch starts at $350, and the Galaxy Ring costs $400 – a significant investment compared to a feature that was previously included with the phone. These aren’t seamless replacements for a built-in convenience.
The Bluetooth-enabled S Pen offered a surprisingly broad range of functionality. Beyond remote photo capture, it allowed users to control the camera, navigate the gallery and internet browser, record voice notes, manage presentations, control media playback, and even activate custom phone features with “Air Actions.”
If you’re a devoted fan of the Bluetooth S Pen, there’s still one option: the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This model represents the last generation to include the coveted feature. And with Samsung promising seven years of software updates, the S24 Ultra will remain supported until 2031.
The S24 Ultra remains a powerful device, boasting the same display resolution and RAM as the newer S26 Ultra. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 200MP camera still deliver exceptional performance, easily handling demanding tasks and applications. It’s a capable phone that can hold its own for years to come.
For those unwilling to let go of the Bluetooth S Pen, the S24 Ultra offers a reprieve. While the future of this feature appears bleak, dedicated users can continue to enjoy its convenience for the foreseeable future, defying the trend of planned obsolescence.
