What you need to know
- A certification listing suggests the Galaxy S26 series won’t have native magnetic hardware for proper Qi2 support.
- Instead, it will likely rely on magnetic cases to work with Qi2 chargers, a repeat of the Galaxy S25’s solution.
- A wireless charging upgrade is confirmed with support for the Qi 2.2.1 standard, enabling faster speeds (potentially 20-25W).
Samsung’s next flagship could feel like déjà vu, especially with wireless charging. A new certification listing suggests the Galaxy S26 series won’t include built-in magnetic hardware for Qi2 wireless charging, which many had hoped Samsung would finally adopt.
This is different from earlier rumors and accessory leaks that suggested Samsung would match Apple and Google’s magnetic charging systems. Qi2 is a wireless charging standard based on classic Qi, but it adds magnetic alignment, which is similar to Apple’s MagSafe. This helps your phone attach to wireless charging pads, pucks, wallets, and mounts more easily and reliably.
However, new listings from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) show a more complicated situation (via 9to5Google). They carry the model numbers “SM-K772*,” “SM-K777*,” and “SM-K778*,” which are believed to be the Galaxy S26 series.
The listings confirm the phones will support the Qi 2.2.1 standard, which is a technical upgrade from the Galaxy S25 series (Qi 2.1.0). This new standard could allow for faster wireless charging speeds, possibly in the 20-25W range instead of just 15W.
Missing MPP is the red flag
But there’s a problem: something important is missing. The WPC profile for these models does not show an MPP (Magnetic Power Profile) indicator. This indicator means a device has the built-in magnets needed for true Qi2 compatibility. Without it, the S26 series will likely be like the last model, needing special magnetic cases to work with Qi2 chargers.
This change is confusing. For several months, industry watchers expected Samsung to fully support Qi2 in 2026. Leaks about Samsung accessories, like a “Magnet Wireless Battery Pack,” made it seem certain that built-in magnets were coming.
But this new information from the WPC, just weeks before the expected February 25 launch, suggests Samsung made a last-minute decision to focus on other engineering or cost factors instead of this convenient feature.
Android Central’s Take
In my view, skipping built-in Qi2 magnets again feels like holding back while other companies are moving ahead. Many Android flagships are switching to native magnetic standards, and there are clear benefits to the ecosystem that go beyond just charging speeds.
For regular users, needing a case to unlock what should be a flagship feature doesn’t just reduce convenience; it undercuts the whole point of buying the latest hardware in the first place. For Samsung fans who hoped the S26 would finally solve this ongoing issue, this news is a reminder that new technology does not always arrive as expected.
