Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 might not include a slot for the S Pen

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 may pack support for the S Pen, but it reportedly won’t offer a dedicated slot for one. A new report (h/t PhoneArena) from Korea suggests that if you want a stylus for the foldable, you’ll have to tote it around separately.

Samsung’s reason for this decision is reportedly two-fold. On the one hand, there may not be enough physical space within the Galaxy Z Fold 3 for an S Pen slot. Earlier rumors suggest the third iteration of the foldable will be slimmer than its predecessors. For Samsung to maximize room for more essential components, it’ll need to forego the slot.

The report also suggests that an S Pen slot presents a potential durability weak spot. Although this isn’t a problem on Samsung’s later Galaxy Note devices, which also sport slots and IP ratings, foldable phones are fragile by nature. We don’t expect the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to sport true water and dust resistance. But Samsung is likely intent on its foldable phone durability improvements.

There are possible design considerations, too. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 may need a foldable-specific stylus unless Samsung can implement its original tech into a flexible, more fragile display. If that’s the case, users may be able to switch their Galaxy S21 Ultra stylus between the two phones.

Of course, Samsung’s motives may be financial. The company could offer consumers the S Pen as an aftermarket item. A separate stylus would also allow the firm to sell additional products on top of that, including a case.

Samsung may launch the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in July — just a month before the traditional Galaxy Note series debut. As no Galaxy Note 21 series is expected this year, it seems more likely that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will take its place. But if that is the case, would the lack of an S Pen slot be a sore miss? Be sure to let us know by voting in the poll above.