article image source: tech.yahoo.com (Link)
Why Samsung Removed Bluetooth From The S Pen: Everything You Need to Know
Person editing a photo with S Pen on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Samsung
image source: tech.yahoo.com
Key Points:
Bluetooth was first added to the S Pen in 2018 with the Galaxy Note 9.
Samsung removed Bluetooth in the S25 Ultra due to low user adoption.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra continues without Bluetooth, leaving diehard users disappointed.
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Samsung’s S Pen has long been a defining feature of its flagship devices, offering precision, productivity, and unique capabilities like Air Actions—gesture-based controls powered by Bluetooth. Introduced in 2011 with the original Galaxy Note, the S Pen evolved into a sophisticated tool, reaching a peak with the Galaxy Note 9 in 2018 when Samsung added Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This allowed users to control media, take photos remotely, navigate apps, and even present slides with a simple wave of the stylus.
Galaxy S25 and S Pen posed on table - Max Miller/SlashGear
image source: tech.yahoo.com
However, in early 2025, Samsung removed Bluetooth from the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s S Pen, a move that shocked enthusiasts and sparked widespread disappointment. Samsung explained that diagnostic data showed fewer than 1% of users actually used the wireless features, which they deemed insufficient to justify including BLE. The company suggested alternative solutions, like the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch, to achieve hands-free functionality, though these cost significantly more than a built-in stylus.
Many users challenged this reasoning, pointing out that Bluetooth S Pen features offered unmatched versatility. Beyond photography, the S Pen allowed navigation of Samsung Notes, control of media playback, browsing gestures, slide management in PowerPoint, and voice recording—functions that current accessories cannot fully replicate. Fans even started petitions to bring Bluetooth back, gathering thousands of signatures, but Samsung confirmed that the S Pen for the S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra would not support older Bluetooth S Pens.
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The trend aligns with Samsung’s historical pattern of removing once-loved features from its devices. From headphone jacks and SD card slots to removable batteries and MST payment technology, Samsung has prioritized streamlined design and new ecosystem features over retaining older functionalities. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts upgrades like enhanced privacy displays, faster charging, and improved chipsets, the absence of Bluetooth on the S Pen represents a symbolic loss for loyal users.
For those still desiring Bluetooth functionality, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains the most recent Samsung device with a fully capable wireless S Pen. Supported until 2031, it continues to deliver a premium experience with high-end performance and a fully featured S Pen, including BLE controls.
Despite the controversy, Samsung continues to innovate in stylus and device interaction, focusing on ecosystem integration with watches, rings, and gesture-based controls. While some may lament the loss of Bluetooth, others may find the new direction aligns with a broader vision of unified, wearable-controlled interactions.
Conclusion:
The removal of Bluetooth from the S Pen reflects a complex balance between feature usage, cost, and design priorities. While diehard fans may mourn the loss of remote control capabilities, the decision highlights Samsung’s ongoing evolution and willingness to rethink even its most iconic tools. Users seeking the full S Pen experience can still enjoy the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the future of stylus interaction is clearly shifting toward ecosystem-based solutions rather than standalone wireless features. Ultimately, this change reminds us that innovation sometimes requires letting go of beloved features to make room for new possibilities.
Key Points Summary:
Bluetooth was added to the S Pen in 2018 (Galaxy Note 9).
Removed in S25 Ultra due to low usage, not returning in S26 Ultra.
Features lost include Air Actions, remote camera control, media navigation, and PowerPoint slide control.
Galaxy S24 Ultra remains the last fully Bluetooth-enabled S Pen device.
Samsung encourages alternative solutions via Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: Which Samsung S Pen still has Bluetooth?
A1: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most recent Samsung device with a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen.
Q2: Why did Samsung remove Bluetooth from the S Pen?
A2: Samsung stated that fewer than 1% of users utilized Bluetooth features, so they discontinued it to streamline the product.
Q3: Can I use an older Bluetooth S Pen with the S25 or S26 Ultra?
A3: No. Older Bluetooth S Pens are incompatible with the S25 and S26 Ultra.
Q4: Are there alternatives for hands-free controls?
A4: Yes. Samsung offers features on the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch, though these are more expensive than a built-in stylus.
Q5: Will future Samsung devices bring back Bluetooth for the S Pen?
A5: As of now, Samsung has not indicated plans to restore Bluetooth in upcoming models.
Sources
Yahoo Tech – Analysis of Samsung removing Bluetooth from the S Pen and user reactions
https://tech.yahoo.com/phones/articles/why-did-samsung-remove-bluetooth-044500455.htmlLifehacker – Details on the Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen lacking Bluetooth and alternatives
https://lifehacker.com/tech/galaxy-s26-ultra-s-pen-still-doesnt-have-bluetooth
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