The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 could feature a new pen input technology, moving away from the integrated S-Pen towards a separate accessory similar to the Apple Pencil. This shift is reportedly aimed at making the next-generation foldable thinner, as seen with the recent Galaxy Z Fold SE.
Switch to AES Technology
According to a report from Korean media outlet ETNews, Samsung is considering adopting Wacom's Active Electrostatic (AES) technology for its 2025 foldable phone (likely the Z Fold7). Currently, Samsung's S-Pen uses electromagnetic resonance (EMR), which requires a digitizer behind the display. AES technology eliminates this digitizer, allowing for a thinner design.
The benefit of this is showcased by the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (SE), which is 1.5mm thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold6 due to the absence of a digitizer. However, an AES pen would be a larger, non-integrated accessory requiring battery charging, unlike the current S-Pen.
Decision Pending
It has been suggested that Samsung will make a decision on this pen input technology in early 2025. ETNews cited "industry sources" but did not provide specific details.