The Galaxy Z Fold series uses thinner-than-usual screen protection, so using an S Pen may damage it in the long run. Six months ago, it was first reported that Samsung had finally made its mind to offer S Pen functionality on the Galaxy Z Fold series. The company has reportedly figured out a solution by making the foldable screen's UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) protection thicker than its current state and embedding a digitizer for the S Pen. South Korean media had confirmed two months ago that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will indeed have S Pen compatibility, but it is now being reported that the upcoming foldable phone won't have a dedicated slot for the S Pen.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 may lack a dedicated S Pen slot due to lack of space, water-resistance issues
Until last month, Samsung was reportedly trying to make room for the S Pen within the Galaxy Z Fold 3's chassis. However, the company has now decided to exclude the dedicated slot for the S Pen due to lack of internal space as well as dust and water resistance issues. The report also states that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will indeed come with a dust and water resistance rating, similar to most other high-end phones from Samsung.
Like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, Samsung may offer a separate case for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to hold the S Pen. The S Pen and the case might be sold separately. The report also claims that the upcoming foldable smartphone will be compatible with the S Pen Pro that was unveiled alongside the Galaxy S21 series earlier this year. The South Korean firm is still two months away from the Galaxy Z Fold 3's production schedule (June 2021), so the company's decision to exclude a dedicated slot for the S Pen may change in the future.
