Samsung Rethinks Foldable Strategy with Potential S Pen Integration in New 'Wide Fold'

Samsung, known for its innovative approach to mobile technology, appears to be shifting gears in the foldable market. While the Galaxy Z Fold line has traditionally been a showcase for cutting-edge features, the latest reports suggest Samsung is exploring a different strategy with a new device dubbed the 'Galaxy Wide Fold.' This rumored foldable, potentially launching in late 2026, is positioned as a direct competitor to Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone and may feature the return of the beloved S Pen stylus.

The S Pen, a staple of the Galaxy Note series and now exclusive to the Galaxy S Ultra line after the Note series was discontinued, offers users a unique way to interact with their devices. It allows for precise writing, drawing, and navigation, making it a favorite among creative professionals and anyone who values handwriting or detailed input. This year's Galaxy Z Fold 7 removed the digitizer, a component needed to use the S Pen, in favor of a slimmer design.

According to sources on the Korean platform Naver, Samsung is considering integrating S Pen support into the Galaxy Wide Fold. This decision is likely influenced by the device's expected 4:3 aspect ratio, creating a wider screen that could be more conducive to using a stylus. The 'wide fold' is expected to have a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch cover screen, both likely using AMOLED panels with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

One tradeoff for the S Pen's return could be a slightly thicker device. The Galaxy Wide Fold is rumored to be thicker than the 8.9mm Galaxy Z Fold 7. This extra space would be needed to accommodate the S Pen's underlying technology, though unlike the Galaxy S Ultra, it's unlikely the Wide Fold will have a dedicated slot to store the stylus within the phone itself. Users would likely need to rely on external cases or other solutions to keep the S Pen readily available.

This move by Samsung highlights the ongoing competition in the foldable market. While the Galaxy Z Fold series focuses on pushing the boundaries of slim design and multitasking capabilities, the Galaxy Wide Fold seems to be targeting users who prioritize productivity and creative input. By potentially offering S Pen support, Samsung aims to differentiate its foldable from Apple's rumored device, which is not expected to include a stylus.

The price of the Wide Fold remains unknown, but it will likely be in the premium segment. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched at approximately Rs 1,74,999 in India, while Apple's foldable is rumored to cost around $2,400 (approximately Rs 2,15,000) in the US. This places the foldable market firmly in the high-end category, catering to early adopters and power users willing to pay a premium for innovative technology.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.