The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultrah has arrived with a notable change to its signature accessory: the S Pen. While the S Pen remains a core part of the Ultra experience, it notably lacks Bluetooth connectivity, a feature present in previous models. The decision to remove Bluetooth LE connectivity has become a little bit of a controversial one with users going as far as to start a petition for it to return.
The S Pen has evolved significantly since its introduction. Initially, it served primarily as a tool for writing and drawing on the device’s screen. Over time, Samsung added Bluetooth functionality, enabling features like remote camera control, air gestures, and more precise input. These additions enhanced the S Pen’s utility, transforming it from a simple stylus into a versatile input device. However, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung has opted to remove Bluetooth LE from the S Pen.
This change means that users lose access to the Bluetooth-powered features they may have become accustomed to. Remote camera control, which allowed users to trigger the camera shutter with a click of the S Pen button, is no longer available. Air gestures, which provide a way to navigate the device or control media playback with movements of the S Pen, are also absent. These omissions have raised concerns among users who value these functionalities.
While no official statement has been released explaining the change, several theories have emerged. Some speculate that it could be related to cost-cutting measures, while others suggest it might be due to technical limitations or a desire to streamline the S Pen’s functionality. That said, some tech creators like Joshua Vergara have noted that they were informed that the feature was used by less than 1% of Ultra users.
Earlier last month, a post highlighting the S Pen was published on Samsung’s official “Insights” blog which included a mention of the elusive Bluetooth LE enable S Pen which will be sold separately. However, Samsung has since clarified in a statement to Android Authority that no such accessory will be available for the new S25 Ultra. The company has gone as far as removing the portion that mentioned the Bluetooth LE-enabled S Pen from the article.
The reaction from Samsung fans has been varied. Some users have expressed disappointment, citing the loss of features they found useful. Others have been more accepting, noting that the core writing and drawing functionalities of the S Pen remain intact. That said, a passionate group of S Pen users have created a petition for the return of the Bluetooth features to the S Pen.
The removal of Bluetooth from the S Pen raises questions about the future direction of this accessory. Is Samsung simplifying the S Pen to focus on its core function as a writing and drawing tool? Or is this a temporary change that might be reversed in future iterations? The answers to these questions will likely depend on user feedback and how Samsung chooses to address the concerns that have been raised.
