- Kyle Chua
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Could Feature Integrated Stylus Slot
Samsung is developing a solution to make the stylus accessory to its flagship foldable less cumbersome to carry.
New patents filed by the South Korean electronics giant show a prototype of what is believed to be the Galaxy Z Fold 6 sporting an integrated slot for the S Pen stylus. Based on the leaked patents, which was uncovered by Studimo, the stylus attaches to the exterior of the foldable device, either on the back cover or the side.
The design change should excite fans of Samsung's high-end foldable as it would mark the first time they'll be able to store the S Pen with the device without the need for a separate case. It also makes the inclusion of the stylus more seamless and streamlines the device's overall user experience.
However, there is a tradeoff to integrating a stylus slot to the Z Fold 6 – it could add bulk to the device, which, as Studimo points out, goes against Samsung's vision of making foldables as slim as possible. Then again, there's no way to tell whether the device is indeed bulkier than the Z Fold 5 or not based on the patent leaks alone, so for now, this is just speculation. Samsung could also perhaps integrate a mechanism that would hold the stylus, instead of a built-in slot that eats space.
The patent additionally shows that the S Pen could incorporate multiple buttons, which hints that it'll feature expanded functionalities. As to what these functionalities are yet unclear, though the expectation is it'll centre on improving the interactivity of the Z Fold 6.
It's also worth pointing out that not all patent ideas and designs could make it into the final product. There's a chance Samsung is still exploring different solutions on how to integrate the stylus with the device and may not be ready to put anything out yet.
Other leaks have suggested that the Z Fold 6 could also sport the same camera setup as its predecessor, the Z Fold 5. Samsung might also add dust resistance to the foldable, though no promises have been made.
If Samsung will follow its annual release the schedule, the Z Fold 6 could arrive sometime in August 2024.
New patents filed by the South Korean electronics giant show a prototype of what is believed to be the Galaxy Z Fold 6 sporting an integrated slot for the S Pen stylus.
Based on the leaked patents, the stylus attaches to the exterior of the foldable device, either on the back cover or the side.
The patent additionally shows that the S Pen could incorporate multiple buttons, which hints that it'll feature expanded functionalities.