Samsung took a lead by launching its S Pen all the way back in 2011, while Apple only debuted its version, dubbed the Apple Pencil, in 2015 after implementing a number of refinements.
Now, after over a decade, Samsung appears poised to finally concede the superiority of Apple's implementation by replicating the Apple Pencil Pro tech within its S Pen.
The next-gen Samsung S Pen might work a lot like the Apple Pencil Pro
For the benefit of those who might not be aware, the digitizer layer within the screen stack of an iPad is able to detect capacitive (electrical) and Bluetooth signals from the Apple Pencil Pro, which contains a lithiuim-ion battery to power those capacitive and Bluetooth signals. This battery can be charged wirelessly via the iPad.
In contrast, the digitizer layer that sits beneath the LCD/OLED panels in compatible Samsung Galaxy S-series smartphones and tablets generates an electromagnetic field that then powers the Samsung S Pen. Of course, most modern S Pens do still contain a small battery to power Bluetooth-enabled Air Actions.
This brings us to the core of today's topic. According to the tipster Schrödinger, the next-gen Samsung S Pen might work a lot like the Apple Pencil Pro.
This means that the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra might sport a simplified digitizer layer that no longer emits electromagnetic signals to power the S Pen. Instead, it will likely confine itself to detecting capacitive and Bluetooth signals emanating from the S Pen itself. This also means that the new Samsung S Pen will likely sport a beefier battery, with possible support for Qi2.2 wireless charging.
Finally, as Samsung appears bent on copying the Apple Pencil Pro's capabilities, it is not too far-fetched to assume that the new Samsung S Pen might also bring its own tailored versions of the Pencil Pro's squeeze gestures, haptic feedback for better accuracy, and gyroscope-driven barrel roll feature for superior brush control.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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