**It’s Currently Not in the Cards: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Stylus Functionality**
The foldable smartphone arena is advancing quickly, with tech leaders like Samsung and Google pushing the limits of what mobile devices can achieve. Nevertheless, not all innovations find their way into every device, and at times, certain features are excluded—much to the dismay of eager consumers. This is the situation with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which, despite its numerous enhancements, lacks stylus support.
### No Stylus Functionality Available
When Google initially launched its foldable phone range, many tech aficionados anticipated that stylus functionality would be included. The concept of merging the adaptability of a foldable display with the accuracy of a stylus seemed like an ideal pairing. However, with the arrival of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it has become evident that stylus functionality is simply not available—at least for the time being.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google’s second-generation foldable, features a thoroughly revamped design that rectifies many of the flaws of its predecessor. Yet, in spite of these upgrades, the device lacks the capacity for stylus usage. This exclusion positions the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 as the preferred option for consumers who value stylus capabilities in a foldable device.
### The Rivals: Samsung and OnePlus
Samsung has consistently been a frontrunner in the foldable smartphone sector, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 continues to establish the benchmark. One of its notable attributes is its compatibility with the S Pen Fold Edition, a stylus specifically crafted for foldable displays. This characteristic has made the Galaxy Z Fold 6 a favored choice among professionals and creatives who require the accuracy that a stylus delivers.
OnePlus has also ventured into the foldable market with the OnePlus Open, which can technically accommodate a stylus. However, the only stylus compatible with the OnePlus Open is the Oppo Pen, which isn’t officially supported by OnePlus and must be imported. This makes the OnePlus Open a less appealing alternative for users seeking a hassle-free stylus experience.
### Why Is Stylus Support Absent?
The lack of stylus functionality in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is disappointing for many, but it could be a strategic choice by Google. The company seems to be focused on maintaining its foldable devices as slim and lightweight as possible. Integrating stylus support would necessitate the addition of an “active digitizer” layer into the display, which could increase bulk and complexity.
For instance, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 employs an active digitizer to detect the tip of the S Pen Fold Edition. While this layer is extremely thin, it still contributes to the overall thickness of the device. Google may have determined that the compromise between stylus support and a sleeker design was not advantageous for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
### Looking Forward: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Although the Pixel 9 Pro Fold does not offer stylus support, there remains optimism for future Google foldables. Samsung did not introduce S Pen support for its foldable phones until the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which required a specially designed S Pen. If Google adopts a similar path, we could potentially see stylus support in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or subsequent models.
Google has demonstrated a readiness to refine and enhance its devices based on consumer feedback, so it’s plausible that stylus support may be incorporated in the future. For the moment, though, users in need of a stylus will have to explore other alternatives.
### Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a remarkable device in several aspects, featuring a sophisticated design and a wealth of AI-driven attributes. However, for those who were hoping to see stylus support, it’s simply not in the cards—at least not yet. As Google continues to improve its foldable device range, future models might include this sought-after feature. Until then, users will need to settle for other options such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the OnePlus Open with an imported Oppo Pen.
In the constantly changing realm of technology, at times the features we desire most are just on the horizon. But for now, regarding stylus support on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, we’ll have to wait and see what the future brings.
