The Galaxy S26 Ultra might miss out on Qi2 after all, and that's disappointing

What you need to know

• The Galaxy S26 Ultra is unlikely to support Qi2 magnets, relying on cases instead for MagSafe-like charging.
• Leaks suggest Samsung will sell magnetic cases and accessories to enable Qi2 features indirectly.
• Possible S Pen interference may be why Samsung continues to avoid built-in Qi2 magnets on the Ultra.

If you were hoping the Galaxy S26 Ultra would offer Qi2 compatibility for MagSafe-like charging and accessories, a new leak might disappoint you.

There has been a lot of confusion around Qi2 support for the Galaxy S26 series. Recent leaks suggest Samsung will sell magnetic cases for the Galaxy S26 lineup along with a new charger, but we have yet to see anything that clearly confirms built-in Qi2 compatibility on the phones themselves.

Now, reputed leaker @UniverseIce on X has claimed with "100% accuracy" that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will not support Qi2 after all. According to the leaker, the phone will not include built-in magnets and will instead rely on magnetic cases to enable MagSafe-like functionality, similar to the Galaxy S25 series.

Many users were hoping for a Pixel 10-style upgrade, where the phone itself supports magnets and allows MagSafe accessories without needing a case. It, however, looks like that won't happen (again) this year. Given the leaker's track record, there's little reason to question the claim.

Android Central's Take

This is honestly disappointing. Qi2 has been around for over two years now, yet Google remains the only major flagship maker to integrate the Magnetic Power Profile directly into its phones.

There are several benefits to including magnets directly in the phone, as you don't need to worry about magnetic alignment while wireless charging. It also gives you added assurance when using accessories like car mounts and even video filming gear.

But it appears we'll once again get a "Qi2 Ready" Galaxy S26 series. That essentially means the phones support Qi2 charging standards but lack built-in magnets, relying on compatible cases to complete the experience rather than offering full Qi2 support out of the box.

It's not all bad news, though. Samsung is expected to sell magnetic cases and accessories for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which will make it Qi2 compatible in practice. Plus, most of us also tend to put a case on our phone right away.

There's also the possibility that built-in magnets could interfere with the S Pen, which may explain Samsung's decision not to include the magnets. Still, not having this functionality built in is going to sting.