Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra May Lack Built-In Qi2 Magnets
- Key Takeaways:
- Early consensus expected built-in alignment magnets across the Galaxy S26 lineup to support the Qi2 standard.
- New reports indicate the Galaxy S26 Ultra may not include those magnets, which could hurt wireless charging convenience and accessory parity with Apple and Google.
- Users may need magnetic adapters, cases, or Samsung accessories to get reliable Qi2 magnetic alignment.
- Samsung hasn’t confirmed details; buyers should watch official specs before relying on in-body magnetic charging.
What the reports say
Leading up to today, the general consensus was that the entire Galaxy S26 lineup would ship with built-in magnets to support the Qi2 magnetic alignment standard. That feature would make Samsung’s flagship lineup function more like Apple and Google devices that use magnetic rings to center charging coils.
Now, newer reports suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra may not include those built-in magnets. The change would mean the Ultra could require an external magnetic ring, case, or adapter to achieve the same coil alignment that Qi2 intends to standardize.
Why this matters
Qi2’s magnet-based guidance is designed to make wireless charging simpler and more reliable by mechanically aligning the charger and phone coils. Without integrated magnets, users can experience slower charging, higher heat, or connection dropouts when a charger and device aren’t aligned.
For customers, the difference is practical: built-in magnets provide a seamless snap-and-charge experience. If Samsung’s top model lacks that hardware, it could fragment the accessory ecosystem and leave buyers dependent on third-party or Samsung accessories to get full Qi2 benefits.
Possible reasons Samsung might skip magnets
Manufacturers weigh multiple trade-offs: internal space, antenna layout, thermal management, and cost. The Ultra’s camera and battery design might make integrating a magnetic ring harder without affecting other components.
Another consideration is accessories and product segmentation—Samsung could reserve in-body magnets for certain SKUs or sell magnetic accessories separately to protect margins or the accessory market.
What you should do
Don’t assume Qi2-compatible magnetic charging will be built into the S26 Ultra until Samsung’s official specs are published. If magnetic alignment matters to you, wait for confirmed specs or plan to buy Qi2-certified chargers or magnetic cases.
We’ll update this story once Samsung provides confirmation ahead of launch. For now, prospective buyers should prepare for both outcomes: an integrated snap-to-charge experience, or the need for an accessory to unlock full Qi2 convenience.