Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra will ship with an S Pen that lacks Bluetooth functionality, continuing a controversial change first introduced with last year's S25 Ultra. A leaked hands-on video from YouTuber Sahil Karoul confirms the stylus will function solely as an input device without the remote control capabilities of previous models.

Bluetooth-enabled S Pens previously allowed users to control camera shutters, navigate photo galleries, and manage presentation slides remotely. The removal sparked speculation that Samsung might abandon stylus support entirely from its premium Ultra lineup, though the S26 Ultra's inclusion of an S Pen suggests the feature remains for now. The decision appears to prioritize simplicity over expanded functionality.

This marks the second consecutive generation of Galaxy S Ultra phones shipping without Bluetooth-enabled styluses, potentially disappointing power users who valued the remote control features. While the basic stylus functionality remains intact, the loss of Bluetooth capabilities represents a step backward for the S Pen's versatility. The change may influence purchasing decisions among Galaxy Note veterans and productivity-focused users who relied on the remote control features for presentations and photography.