Samsung may skip adding Qi2 to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and I think they've made the right call

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Sometimes new features aren't worth it

An edited version of an alleged official render of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
(Image credit: Evan Blass)

I hope you weren't looking forward to magnetic charging on the next Galaxy S26 Ultra. A feature many hoped Samsung would finally adopt may, in fact, not make it to the final model according to a new leak.

Long-time rumormonger Ice Universe has claimed in a new X post that the Galaxy S26 Ultra does not have built-in magnets for Qi2 wireless charging, according to "independent sources with 100% accuracy." This follows up on a similar rumor we heard recently which claimed Samsung will again only support Qi2 charging by using a case with the required magnets included, as was the case with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

These do contradict earlier rumors, which were confident in Samsung adding Qi2 charging for this new generation of Galaxy. But given how close we suspect we are to the Galaxy S26 series launching, I'm inclined to take IU's word for it.

Normally, hearing that a rumored new feature of a phone is definitely not coming would be disheartening news. But to be honest, I'm not sure I mind, given the trade-offs that this feature would require.

The cost of Qi2

Google pixelsnap chargers

A Google Pixel 10 Pro charging on a PixelSnap wireless charging stand (Image credit: Future)

I use MagSafe all the time with my Apple devices, including a wireless charging stand to power up my iPhone overnight. It's the platonic ideal of an Apple feature — versatile and easy to use. But that doesn't mean it's right for every brand.

Samsung has offered reverse wireless charging on its flagship phones since the Galaxy S10 series in 2019. It's a handy way of powering up small items like smartwatches and earbuds, or even another phone, if someone else's device is in need of emergency refueling.

Unfortunately, this feature can't work with Qi2 charging, since the magnets required for Qi2 would interfere with the charging process. We saw this happen with the Pixel 10 series near the end of last year, with Google ditching reverse wireless charging in favor of its new PixelSnap magnetic accessory system.

There's another problem with the Qi2 magnets. They can interfere with the S Pen stylus that Samsung ships with its Galaxy S Ultra models. Apparently, when you place a strong Qi2 or MagSafe magnet on the back of the phone, its magnetic field can overpower the digitizer.

Even though Samsung seems to be reconsidering the S Pen's place on its smartphones, with the S25 Ultra removing Bluetooth features and the Z Fold 7 losing compatibility altogether, it doesn't seem to be ready to trash it just yet.

Wireless charging fans will be understandably dismayed at the idea that Samsung won't follow Google's and Apple's example. It's like Apple's resistance to ditch Lightning for USB-C all over again. But unlike Apple's old proprietary port, there are benefits to Samsung rejecting the new standard beyond keeping what's familiar in place.

Samsung seems to value its flagship phones' abilities to power up its peripherals, and to offer stylus support in the Ultra's case specifically. And no doubt many of its long-time users do, too. So giving those users the option to add Qi2 support, rather than making it compulsory while removing other long-standing features, seems like a wise move.

It's a shame the only official solution is a case, but without building two different models — one with magnets, one without — this feels like the best compromise we could ask for.

The Galaxy S26 series is believed to be launching at a Galaxy Unpacked event that will happen on February 25. That's the moment we'll get official answers about what kind of wireless charging the S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra will offer. There's not going to be an answer that will make everyone happy, but hopefully the other tipped upgrades like the privacy screen and improved low-light camera will make up for any disappointment.

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Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.

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