Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series is poised to deliver a boost in wireless charging speeds, but a key feature many anticipated – native support for Qi2 magnetic charging – appears to have been sidelined. New technical data confirms the phones will support the faster Qi 2.2.1 standard, but will lack the built-in magnets necessary for seamless alignment with magnetic chargers and accessories without a dedicated case.
For months, speculation suggested Samsung would finally adopt magnetic hardware, aligning its flagship phones with Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem and the latest Google Pixel devices. This would have allowed Galaxy S26 users to effortlessly snap their phones onto wireless chargers, wallets, and car mounts. However, recent filings with the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) have dampened those expectations.
New Data Reconfirms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Will Skip Built-in Magnets
WPC certification data for three upcoming Samsung models – believed to be the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra – reveals they are utilizing the Base Power Profile (BPP) rather than the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP). In the context of wireless charging, the absence of the MPP designation is a clear indication that the devices do not include integrated magnets. This means users will likely need to rely on magnetic cases to achieve the “snap-on” functionality offered by Qi2 accessories.
The decision is particularly notable given Samsung’s reported development of its own Qi2 magnetic accessories. This suggests the company may be prioritizing other design considerations, such as a slimmer profile, or addressing potential interference with the S Pen digitizer, a known challenge for magnetic integration in the Ultra models.
Improved Wireless Charging Speed
Despite the lack of magnets, the Galaxy S26 series is set to benefit from a significant upgrade in wireless charging speed. The WPC listings confirm support for the Qi 2.2.1 specification, a step up from the protocol used in previous Samsung models. This version of the Qi standard is designed to handle power levels exceeding the traditional 15W limit.
This lends credence to reports that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could support wireless charging speeds of up to 25W. The standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ are potentially targeting at least 20W. If these figures prove accurate, Samsung users can expect considerably faster wireless charging, even if they need to manually align the phone or use a magnetic case.
The Qi 2.2.1 standard represents a notable improvement over Qi 2.1.0, which capped wireless charging speeds at 15W. The jump to 20W or 25W would bring Samsung’s wireless charging capabilities more in line with competitors like Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL and potentially even Apple’s iPhone 16 and 17 series.
The absence of built-in magnets is a somewhat puzzling decision, especially considering Samsung’s investment in Qi2 accessories. It’s possible the company is taking a phased approach, opting to introduce magnetic charging in future iterations of the Galaxy S series. Alternatively, they may believe the benefits of a thinner design or reduced complexity outweigh the convenience of native magnetic alignment.
The Galaxy S26 launch event, currently expected on , will provide a definitive answer. However, Samsung has yet to officially confirm the date. The coming weeks will likely reveal further details about the Galaxy S26 series, including its processor – expected to be the Exynos 2600 globally, with a possible variation in the US – and any further design changes.
While the lack of native Qi2 magnetic charging may disappoint some, the Galaxy S26 series still promises to be a compelling flagship device. The faster wireless charging speeds, coupled with a potential redesign and the latest processor, should provide a significant upgrade for Samsung users.
