Samsung’s Galaxy S25 ultra S Pen Loses Bluetooth Connectivity: A Step Back in Time?
Samsung’s iconic S Pen, first introduced in 2011 with the original Galaxy Note, has long been a defining feature of the company’s premium devices. Initially a passive stylus relying on a Wacom layer in the Note to track position and pressure, the S Pen evolved considerably over the years. In 2018, the Galaxy Note9 introduced a game-changing upgrade: a battery-powered S Pen with Bluetooth connectivity. This allowed users to remotely control their devices, from taking photos to advancing slides in PowerPoint.However, the latest iteration of the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra marks a surprising reversal. Samsung has removed the Bluetooth functionality, reverting the S Pen to its pre-2018 capabilities. According to the company,this decision was driven by data showing that most users simply weren’t utilizing the remote control features.
“Pretty cool, huh? Well, apparently not – Samsung says that most people just weren’t using the remote functions,” the report states. This move has sparked debate among fans of the S Pen, with some questioning whether Samsung is moving away from the stylus’s innovative potential.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra S pen will no longer support remote actions like controlling the camera or music playback.Samsung has also confirmed that there will be no separate version of the S Pen to restore this functionality. Instead, users can achieve similar results through choice methods, such as using a Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Ring, or even palm gestures for the camera.
this decision raises questions about the future of the S Pen. is Samsung signaling a shift in focus, or is this simply a response to user behavior? “Presumably, Samsung studied statistics pretty closely before deciding to axe long-standing functionality from the one unique feature on the Galaxy S Ultra,” the report notes.
To gauge user sentiment, Samsung has included a SurveyPlanet poll, asking, “are you using the S Pen’s remote control functionality? Are you using the S Pen at all?”
Key Features of the S Pen Over the Years
Table of Contents
| Year | Device | S Pen Features |
|—————–|——————–|————————————————————————————|
| 2011 | Galaxy Note | passive stylus with Wacom layer for position and pressure tracking |
| 2018 | Galaxy Note9 | Added battery and Bluetooth for remote control functionality |
| 2025 | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Bluetooth functionality removed; reverts to pre-2018 capabilities |
While the Galaxy S25 ultra S Pen may no longer offer remote control features, it remains a versatile tool for note-taking and drawing. Whether this change will impact the device’s appeal remains to be seen.
What do you think about Samsung’s decision? Are you a fan of the S Pen’s remote capabilities, or do you prefer alternative methods? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra S Pen Loses Bluetooth Connectivity: A Step Back in Time?
Samsung’s iconic S Pen, first introduced in 2011 with the original Galaxy Note, has long been a defining feature of the company’s premium devices. Initially a passive stylus relying on a Wacom layer in the Note to track position and pressure, the S Pen evolved considerably over the years. In 2018, the Galaxy Note9 introduced a game-changing upgrade: a battery-powered S Pen with Bluetooth connectivity. This allowed users to remotely control their devices, from taking photos to advancing slides in PowerPoint. However, the latest iteration of the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra marks a surprising reversal. Samsung has removed the Bluetooth functionality, reverting the S Pen to its pre-2018 capabilities. To discuss this notable change, we spoke with tech industry expert, Dr. Emily Hartman, a specialist in mobile device innovation and user experience.
The Evolution of the S Pen: From Passive Stylus to Remote Control
Editor: Dr. Hartman,could you walk us thru the key milestones in the evolution of the S Pen? How did Bluetooth connectivity in 2018 change the user experience?
Dr. Emily Hartman: Certainly! The S Pen has come a long way since its debut. In 2011, it was primarily a passive stylus, relying on the Wacom layer in the Galaxy Note for precision and pressure sensitivity. This made it a powerful tool for note-taking and drawing. The real game-changer came in 2018 with the Galaxy Note9, which introduced a battery-powered S Pen with Bluetooth connectivity. This allowed users to perform remote actions, like controlling the camera, navigating presentations, or even launching apps. It transformed the S Pen from a simple stylus into a multi-functional remote control, adding a layer of convenience and innovation.
Why Remove Bluetooth Functionality in the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Editor: Samsung’s decision to remove Bluetooth functionality in the Galaxy S25 ultra has sparked debate. What do you think motivated this change?
Dr. Emily Hartman: From what we certainly know,Samsung cites data showing that most users weren’t utilizing the remote control features. While the Bluetooth functionality was innovative, it seems it didn’t resonate as widely as expected. By removing it, Samsung may be streamlining the S Pen to focus on its core strengths: precision and versatility for tasks like note-taking and drawing.It’s also possible that this decision helps reduce production costs and improve battery efficiency. However, it’s worth noting that this move might alienate users who valued the remote control capabilities.
The Impact on User Experience and Alternatives
Editor: How do you think this change will impact the user experience? Are there viable alternatives for those who relied on the S Pen’s remote features?
Dr. Emily Hartman: For users who primarily used the S Pen for its remote features, this change could be disappointing. However, Samsung has suggested alternatives like using a Galaxy watch, Galaxy ring, or even palm gestures for the camera. These alternatives may not replicate the exact experience but offer similar functionality. For users who value the precision and pressure sensitivity of the S Pen for creative tasks, this change might not be a significant drawback. It really depends on how individuals used the device.
The Future of the S Pen: Innovation or Regression?
Editor: Do you see this as a step back in innovation, or is it simply a reflection of user behavior?
Dr. Emily Hartman: It’s a bit of both. On one hand, removing a feature that was once hailed as innovative might feel like a regression. On the other hand, it’s a data-driven decision that reflects how users actually engage with the S Pen. Samsung seems to be prioritizing the stylus’s core functionality over niche features. Whether this is a shift in focus or a temporary adjustment remains to be seen. However, I believe the S Pen will continue to evolve, possibly in new directions that better align with user needs.
Conclusion
Editor: dr. Hartman, thank you for sharing your insights. To wrap up, what’s your takeaway for users considering the Galaxy S25 Ultra and its S Pen?
Dr. Emily Hartman: My advice would be to evaluate how you use the S Pen. If remote control functionality was essential for you, this change might be a drawback. However, if you primarily use the S Pen for creative tasks or note-taking, the Galaxy S25 ultra still offers a robust and versatile tool. And with alternatives like the Galaxy Watch or palm gestures, Samsung is providing ways to fill the gap. Ultimately, this decision highlights the importance of aligning innovation with user behavior—a lesson that extends far beyond the S Pen.
