Galaxy S26 Ultra continues with the S Pen disappointment

The Galaxy S26 Ultra was extensively leaked yesterday after a Dubai-based YouTuber obtained the yet-to-be-announced device from a retailer. He later posted multiple images and videos showcasing the phone’s design and features. Unfortunately, the upcoming device appears to carry over the same S Pen limitation seen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

According to the YouTuber Sahil Karoul, the S Pen bundled with the Galaxy S26 Ultra does not support Bluetooth connectivity. As a result, it does not offer Air Actions. To support this claim, he shared a video on X showing the Galaxy S26 Ultra alongside its S Pen.

This means the Galaxy S26 Ultra has the same S Pen limitations as its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which was Samsung’s first Galaxy S Ultra device to drop support for Air Actions.

Rumors suggest that Samsung is developing a new S Pen technology that could be based on the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) standard. This approach could avoid S Pen's interference with Qi2 wireless charging magnets integrated into phones or accessories. However, this is just a rumor. So, don't hold your breath any such feature until Samsung actually announces it.

S Pen's Air Actions feature relies on Bluetooth and a built-in gyroscope to enable features such as capturing photos and videos, switching between the front and rear cameras, controlling media playback, adjusting volume, and navigating presentations or the user interface.

With a compatible S Pen, these actions can be performed even when the stylus is up to 10 meters away from the device.