SEOUL, Feb 10, 2026, 17:55 (KST)
- According to a report, Samsung’s next Galaxy S26 Ultra could skip built-in Qi2 magnets yet again.
- A Samsung Gulf campaign document sets Feb. 25 as the date for Galaxy Unpacked 2026.
- Wireless charging could jump to a newer Qi standard, though whether magnetic “snap-on” accessories work may depend on the cases used.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, set for release in 2026, won’t have built-in magnets for Qi2 wireless charging, even though many expected this feature on the next flagship. Magnetic chargers and wallets are becoming popular, but Samsung is skipping this on the S26 Ultra.
Samsung’s timing couldn’t be more critical as it prepares for its first Galaxy Unpacked event of the year, set to refresh its smartphone lineup and showcase new features. Dropping in late February would put Samsung back on its familiar track, just as rivals push hard on accessories and charging tech to differentiate themselves.
A contest document from Samsung Gulf splits its giveaway into two parts: “Before Galaxy Unpacked,” which wraps up on Feb. 24, and “During and After Galaxy Unpacked,” kicking off Feb. 25. This strongly suggests the event is set for Feb. 25.
The missing magnets show up in official records too. The Wireless Power Consortium database—the body behind the Qi standard—includes three unreleased Samsung models supporting Qi 2.2.1. Yet, these models use the Base Power Profile, not the Magnetic Power Profile, so they don’t have the magnet rings needed for alignment.
Qi2, a wireless charging standard drawing inspiration from Apple’s MagSafe, uses magnets to snap phones onto chargers or battery packs. Devices without Magnetic Power Profile support usually need magnets built into a case for magnetic accessories to work.
The quicker version of the standard could prove important. Paul Struhsaker, executive director of the Wireless Power Consortium, said, “Qi2 25W’s remarkably fast and efficient wireless charging will drive the adoption of wireless charging and accelerate the uptake of the new standard.” heise online
Samsung Gulf is turning up the heat on social media, teasing fans with the question, “What do you think will happen during #GalaxyUnpacked?” The brand is sweetening the deal with giveaways including a Galaxy Watch8 and a Galaxy S25 FE. PhoneArena
Insiders tracking Samsung’s launch timeline expect the Unpacked event to highlight the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, plus new Galaxy Buds. Samsung has yet to issue an official invite with any date or venue details.
Some reports point to the Ultra’s S Pen stylus as the reason magnets are missing, arguing that magnets could interfere with the digitizer and degrade pen responsiveness. Others suggest Samsung prioritized a slimmer profile, deciding against built-in magnets to keep the phone sleek.
Certification databases and pre-launch leaks don’t always tell the full story. Samsung could still adjust hardware right before release, limit certain features to particular models, or bundle accessories that mask missing specs on paper.
Samsung is launching a fresh privacy display feature aimed at hiding sensitive info when you’re out and about, signaling a continued focus on software upgrades alongside camera enhancements and on-device AI.
Buyers have a clear decision to make: since the S26 series keeps magnets in the case rather than the phone, the “snap-on” Qi2 won’t be included by default—you’ll need to purchase it separately. Samsung typically streams its Unpacked events online, and this year’s event is likely to follow suit. Cybernews
