Samsung's upcoming flagship smartphone may undergo significant design changes as the company reconsiders its approach to one of its most distinctive features. Recent rumors suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could abandon the integrated S Pen silo that has been a hallmark of the Ultra series since it absorbed the Note line's functionality.
The End of the Built-in S Pen Era
According to recent reports, Samsung is considering a radical redesign for next year's Galaxy S26 Ultra that would eliminate the internal S Pen silo. This doesn't mean the S Pen is disappearing entirely—Samsung will likely still include the stylus in the box—but users would no longer be able to store it inside the phone. Instead, the S Pen might attach magnetically to the side of the device, similar to how the Apple Pencil works with iPads and how Samsung's own tablets handle stylus storage.
Rumored Galaxy S26 Ultra Changes:
- Removal of built-in S Pen silo
- Possible magnetic attachment for S Pen instead
- Potential for larger battery capacity
- New main camera with variable aperture
- Possible removal of 3X telephoto camera
- Traditional hole-punch camera (no under-display camera)
Space Utilization Benefits
The removal of the S Pen silo could provide Samsung with valuable internal space in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In modern smartphones, where every millimeter is meticulously allocated, the relatively large space dedicated to housing a stylus represents a significant opportunity cost. By eliminating this compartment, Samsung could repurpose that space for other components or features that might benefit a broader range of users.
Battery Improvements on the Horizon
Perhaps the most exciting potential benefit of removing the S Pen silo would be increased battery capacity. Rumors suggest Samsung might use the freed-up space to include a substantially larger battery in the S26 Ultra. While some speculations about a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery may be exaggerated, any improvement over the 5,000mAh capacity that has remained unchanged in Samsung flagships for years would be welcome news for users concerned about battery life.
Camera System Changes
The S Pen silo removal isn't the only change rumored for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Reports indicate Samsung might introduce a new main camera with variable aperture technology. Additionally, the company is allegedly considering removing the 3X telephoto camera, which could further free up internal space for other components or battery capacity improvements.
Traditional Display Approach Continues
In separate but related news, Samsung appears to have abandoned plans to implement an under-display camera in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Despite experimenting with this technology in its Galaxy Z Fold series, the company has reportedly encountered insurmountable issues related to cost and performance. Instead, the S26 Ultra will likely retain the traditional hole-punch camera design, prioritizing image quality over the seamless display aesthetic that an under-display camera would provide.
User Reaction and Adaptation
The potential removal of the built-in S Pen silo will likely generate mixed reactions among Samsung's user base. While some power users who regularly rely on the convenience of an always-available stylus may be disappointed, others might appreciate the tradeoff if it results in meaningful improvements to battery life or other capabilities. Samsung may offer specialized cases with S Pen holders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, similar to those available for the Galaxy Z Fold series, to help ease the transition for stylus enthusiasts.
A Strategic Shift
Samsung's apparent willingness to reconsider the integrated S Pen design suggests the company may be reevaluating the feature's importance to its user base. The earlier removal of Bluetooth functionality from the S25 Ultra's S Pen—eliminating Air Actions and remote control capabilities—might have been a test case to gauge user reaction to reduced stylus functionality. The potential complete removal of the internal silo represents a more significant step in this direction, prioritizing broader benefits like battery life over specialized features used by a smaller segment of customers.