The latest addition to Samsung's lineup, the Galaxy S26 series, brings several enhancements, including a privacy display and improved chipset and battery life for the base model. However, a notable setback is the absence of Bluetooth in the S26 Ultra's S Pen, a feature that was also missing in its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
This omission disappoints fans who appreciated the S Pen's wireless capabilities, which first appeared with the Galaxy Note 10 in 2019. These features allowed users to control their phones remotely, making tasks like taking photos or switching camera modes more convenient without the need for timers or separate remotes.
Why is Bluetooth Absent from the S Pen?
With the S26 Ultra's release, hopes for the return of Bluetooth functionality in the S Pen seem to have faded. Samsung previously cited low user engagement with Bluetooth-enabled features as a reason for its removal. In a statement, the company noted that "Bluetooth Low Energy is not supported on the Galaxy S25 Ultra as Samsung found that S Pen usage for BLE-enabled features was very low."
Instead, Samsung has promoted alternative products like the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch, which offer gesture controls for hands-free photo capture. While this indicates that Samsung is still exploring remote control options, the price points of these devices--starting at $350 for the Galaxy Watch and $400 for the Galaxy Ring--make them less accessible compared to an accessory that traditionally comes with the phone.
Lost Features of the S Pen
The S Pen's Bluetooth capabilities offered a range of functionalities that go beyond basic gesture controls. Some of these features included:
- Taking photos and adjusting camera settings remotely.
- Scrolling through images in the Samsung Gallery.
- Navigation in the Samsung Internet browser and Samsung Notes app.
- Recording voice notes.
- Controlling media playback.
- Utilizing Air Actions for customizable phone features.
What About the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
For those who still value Bluetooth functionality in an S Pen, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a viable option. This model promises seven years of updates, ensuring support until 2031. With its robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and impressive 200MP camera, the S24 Ultra continues to compete effectively, handling demanding applications with ease.
As we move forward, it appears that Bluetooth support for the S Pen may not return, but users of older devices can continue enjoying their features for the time being.
