Multiple rumors had claimed over the past few months that Samsung will end the extremely popular Galaxy Note series. With the launch of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which supports the S Pen, it appeared as if the South Korean firm had really made its decision to discontinue the Galaxy Note lineup. However, the company has confirmed today that it will continue to launch more phones in the series.

During Samsung’s 52nd annual shareholder’s meeting, DJ Koh, co-CEO of Samsung’s IT and Mobile Communications division, mentioned that it might be difficult for the company to launch the Galaxy Note 21 series this year due to a severe shortage of chips and the clash with existing products (the Galaxy S21 Ultra). However, he said that Samsung intends to launch a new Galaxy Note model in 2022. DJ Koh also said that launch timelines for next year’s Galaxy Note might differ from previous launches.

DJ Koh said, “Galaxy Note is an important product category to us that has been continuously loved by consumers for the past 10 years in the global market. The S Pen user experience is an area that Samsung’s mobile business has worked harder on than anybody else. Their launch timing may be different, but we will make sure that we don’t let Galaxy Note consumers down.”

Since the Galaxy S21 Ultra supports the S Pen, it was being speculated that the company will replace the Galaxy Note series with the Galaxy S series and simplify its smartphone lineup. The company also wants to cement the Galaxy Z Fold series’ position as the ultra-premium model and make the Galaxy Z Flip more affordable so that consumers can upgrade to foldable phones easily.