Galaxy S26: Samsung once again omits magnets for Qi charging
According to certification documents, Samsung is once again omitting the use of magnets for wireless Qi2 charging in its Galaxy S26 series.
Successor to the Galaxy S25 (pictured): Samsung appears to continue to forgo magnets in the Galaxy S26 series.
(Image: Andreas Wodrich/heise medien)
Apple's iPhone 17 has it as MagSafe, Google's Pixel 10 series as Pixelsnap – we're talking about a magnet on the back of the case, with which compatible battery packs or other accessories are firmly connected to the smartphones and can be charged more conveniently. Samsung is once again omitting this practical feature from its Galaxy S26 series, expected at the end of February 2026. This is according to documents from the responsible certification authority, WPC (Wireless Power Consortium).
Without “Magnetic Power Profile”
9to5 Google first discovered the entries for the new Galaxy S26 series: The Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra models have appeared in the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) database with model numbers SM-K772, SM-K777, and SM-K778. According to the blog, Samsung is using masked model numbers instead of the actual SM-S942B, SM-S947B, and SM-S948B to hide the unannounced devices.
(Image:Â WPC)
The WPC certification data shows that the smartphones support the Qi 2.2.1 standard. This is initially a more current version than the one Google uses for the Pixel 10 models (2.0.1). However, Samsung's models use the “Base Power Profile” (BPP) instead of the “Magnetic Power Profile” (MPP). This means that the S26 devices do not have built-in magnets and are therefore reliant on cases with integrated magnets, like the S25 series, to attach accessories such as Qi2 chargers, power banks, and wallets. The WPC data is thus consistent with statements from leaker IceUniverse, who confirmed the absence of magnets a few days ago on X.
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However, the smartphones could still receive faster wireless charging: rumors suggest that the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ could support wireless charging up to 20W, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra could reach up to 25W. These values largely align with the announcement of Qi 2.2.1 by the WPC in July 2025. This expected improvement should shorten charging times for wireless charging. Until now, Qi 2 stopped at 15W.
Up to 60W wired
Samsung is also said to be improving its upcoming devices in terms of wired charging, according to rumors: The Galaxy S26 is reportedly said to have a 4300 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S26+ could possibly be equipped with a 4900 mAh battery. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to have a 5000 mAh battery and support up to 60W wired charging. The S25 Ultra could be charged at a maximum of 45W.
Why Samsung is once again foregoing a magnetic back is likely known only to the manufacturer itself. The company may prioritize device thickness over a reliable wireless charging option. On the other hand, Samsung could continue to make money from protective cases that enable magnetic attachment of accessories.
Privacy Feature and More AI
It has been officially confirmed that the Galaxy S26 series will receive a “Privacy Feature” designed to protect screen content from prying eyes. Additionally, the manufacturer has announced a new Exynos chip manufactured using a 2 nm process. It is rumored that the Privacy Feature might only be included in the Ultra model, and the Exynos chip might be regionally integrated into the base and Plus models. Furthermore, Samsung promises more AI functions and states that Bixby will be revived with Perplexity on board. The Galaxy S26 series is rumored to be unveiled on February 25th.
(afl)
