Samsung Galaxy S26: Built-in Qi2 Magnets Absent in Latest Leak
Recent leaks have cast doubt on the anticipated inclusion of built-in Qi2 magnets in Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series. While earlier reports suggested that Samsung would integrate native Qi2 magnetic charging capabilities—akin to Apple’s MagSafe system—new information indicates that this feature may not be present in the final design.
The Qi2 standard, an evolution of the Qi wireless charging protocol, introduces magnetic alignment to enhance charging efficiency and accessory compatibility. Apple’s MagSafe, introduced with the iPhone 12, exemplifies this technology by allowing users to magnetically attach chargers and accessories to the device’s back. Samsung’s adoption of Qi2 was highly anticipated, especially given the growing ecosystem of magnetic accessories.
Initial leaks painted an optimistic picture. Reports from November 2025 suggested that the Galaxy S26 would feature a slimmer design at 6.9mm thickness and incorporate built-in magnets for Qi2 wireless charging. This would have marked a significant departure from previous models, which required magnetic cases to utilize Qi2 charging. The inclusion of built-in magnets was seen as a move to enhance user experience by providing a more stable and efficient charging process.
Further fueling these expectations, Samsung’s accessory lineup for the Galaxy S26 appeared to embrace the Qi2 standard. Leaked information revealed a range of first-party accessories, including magnetic clear cases, magnetic rugged cases, and a magnetic wireless battery pack. These accessories were designed to align with the Qi2 standard, suggesting a cohesive ecosystem centered around magnetic charging.
However, recent developments have challenged these assumptions. A leak from Nieuwemobiel showcased first-party Samsung cases for the Galaxy S26 in both magnetic and non-magnetic variants. The presence of non-magnetic cases implies that the Galaxy S26 may not have built-in Qi2 magnets, as the effectiveness of magnetic charging relies on the alignment provided by these magnets. Without them, users would need to rely on magnetic cases to achieve proper alignment and secure attachment of accessories.
Adding to the uncertainty, packaging for Samsung’s new 25W Qi2 magnetic wireless charger includes a note stating, For Galaxy phones, ensure you use this charger with a Qi2-ready case to enable charging. This suggests that the Galaxy S26 series may lack native magnetic support, necessitating the use of compatible cases to utilize Qi2 charging capabilities.
The absence of built-in Qi2 magnets in the Galaxy S26 could have several implications. Users seeking the convenience of magnetic charging and accessory attachment may find the need for additional cases cumbersome. Moreover, this approach may affect the overall user experience, as the seamless integration offered by built-in magnets would be absent.
It’s important to note that while these leaks provide valuable insights, they are not definitive. Samsung has not officially confirmed the specifications of the Galaxy S26 series. The company is expected to unveil the new lineup at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026. Until then, the presence or absence of built-in Qi2 magnets remains speculative.
In conclusion, while initial reports suggested that the Galaxy S26 would feature built-in Qi2 magnets, recent leaks indicate that this may not be the case. The reliance on magnetic cases to achieve Qi2 functionality could impact user convenience and the overall appeal of the device. As the official launch approaches, consumers and industry observers alike await confirmation from Samsung regarding the final specifications of the Galaxy S26 series.
