Galaxy S26 Ditches Built-In Qi2 Magnets, Latest Leaks Suggest

Daily Technology

03/02/2026

Recent leaks indicate that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series will not feature built-in Qi2 magnets, a feature widely anticipated by consumers and industry watchers. This decision marks a potential setback for users hoping for seamless magnetic wireless charging integration, similar to Apple's MagSafe technology.

Key Takeaways

The Galaxy S26 series is reportedly skipping native Qi2 magnet support.
This contradicts earlier leaks that suggested full Qi2 adoption.
Samsung has previously offered Qi2 via magnetic cases rather than integrated magnets.
The company is still rumored to be developing Qi2 accessories for the S26.

Disappointment Over Missing Qi2 Integration

Despite earlier strong suggestions that the Galaxy S26 series would fully embrace Qi2 technology, including faster wireless charging speeds aligned with the standard, the latest information points to a different outcome. Google's Pixel 8 series has already adopted native Qi2 magnets, a feature that has been standard on iPhones for several years. Samsung's approach has been to offer Qi2 compatibility through magnetic cases, a method that has proven less than ideal for accessory adhesion.

Evidence from Case Leaks

A significant piece of evidence comes from leaked first-party Samsung cases for the Galaxy S26. The appearance of both magnetic and non-magnetic case variants for the S26 and S26 Ultra suggests that the phones themselves will not have integrated magnets. This is because non-magnetic cases would significantly weaken the magnetic connection required for Qi2 accessories to function effectively, such as mounts and wallets.

Confusing Accessory Strategy

Adding to the confusion, leaks also reveal that Samsung is developing Qi2 accessories, including a magnetic power bank and a MagSafe-style wireless charging puck, specifically for the Galaxy S26 series. This creates a puzzling situation where users might purchase these accessories only to find they require a separate magnetic case to function, as the phone itself would lack the necessary built-in magnets. This strategy has been described as "absurd" and a "terrible look" for Samsung, especially if they had initially planned for integrated magnets before scrapping the idea.

Market Expectations and Future Outlook

The omission of Qi2 magnets is seen as a missed opportunity for Samsung, particularly as the feature has been well-received by users of other smartphone brands. While there remains a slim possibility of Samsung reversing its decision, the current evidence strongly suggests that the Galaxy S26 series will continue to forgo native Qi2 magnet integration, disappointing many who were looking forward to this upgrade.

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