PSA: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 won't work with an S Pen even if you buy one separately

Yahoo

4 days ago

The Galaxy Z Fold series has been compatible with Samsung's S Pen since the Z Fold 3, allowing users to draw on the Z Fold's larger internal display. It was also ideal for navigation, providing users with a more tablet-like experience with the added screen real estate. It may not be the most used feature of the Galaxy Z Fold phones, but for enthusiasts, it's a fantastic way to get their S Pen fix.
Unfortunately, a price increase isn't the only surprise Samsung has for us with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung's newest book-style foldable will not support the S Pen. Samsung claims that the digitizer for S Pen compatibility requires an additional layer on the display, resulting in a thicker device. It's a disappointing turn of events, especially since Samsung has already limited the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, removing Bluetooth functionality.
I was shocked when Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold 7 would not be S Pen compatible. I didn't love it when the company made changes to the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but I accepted it, convinced that the Galaxy Z Fold series would be the last haven for enthusiasts. While plenty of people walk into their carrier stores and pick up Galaxy S25 Ultras, there aren't too many casuals plunking down $2,000 on a Galaxy Z Fold 7.
It's disappointing that Samsung would remove S Pen compatibility, as it was a way for some people to justify the higher price of owning a Galaxy Z Fold, using the S Pen to draw sketches or mark up documents on the expansive internal display. If Samsung's most expensive (to date) device isn't immune to feature rollbacks, it's a disturbing sign. I know the company wanted to make the thinnest device possible, especially to compete with foldables from overseas, but I don't believe the two had to be mutually exclusive.
I fear it's the beginning of the end for the S Pen. Samsung is sure to mention at every turn that user surveys reveal that not enough people use the feature to make it worthwhile. I disagree. Still, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 won't support an S Pen, and if a $2,000 smartphone can't keep its enthusiast features, which phone will?