According to TechRadar, leaked images of an upcoming Samsung 25W Qi2 magnetic wireless charger suggest the Galaxy S26 series won’t natively support the feature. The charger’s packaging reportedly states users must employ a “Qi2-ready case” for it to work, indicating the phones themselves lack built-in magnets. This dampens rumors of a MagSafe-like system being integrated directly into the phones, a feature long anticipated by some Samsung fans. However, the leak also points to a potential wireless charging speed boost from 15W to 25W for at least some S26 models. Reputable leaker Evan Blass also shared case renders for the phones, which appear to have magnetic circles built into their backs. Samsung is reportedly set to unveil the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2025.
Samsung plays catch-up with a caveat
Here’s the thing: if this leak is accurate, it’s a bit of a half-step. Samsung would be adopting the new, faster Qi2 standard—which is great—but doing it in a way that feels like an afterthought. Requiring a specific case for magnetic functionality is just not as elegant or user-friendly as having the magnets baked into the phone’s frame, like Apple does. It adds bulk, cost, and an extra step for the consumer. Basically, it turns what could be a seamless ecosystem play into yet another accessory you have to remember to buy. For a company that’s often praised for its hardware design, this seems like a missed opportunity to create a truly integrated experience.
The case for cases
Now, the case renders shared by Evan Blass tell the other half of the story. They show the phones nestled in UAG cases with those tell-tale circles on the back, which are almost certainly magnet arrays. So Samsung and its partners are clearly preparing for a magnetic accessory ecosystem. But I have to ask: how many people are going to shell out for a premium flagship phone and then immediately hide it in a bulky case just to get a feature that should be standard? It feels like they’re trying to have it both ways—offering the capability without committing to the design changes needed to make it first-class.
The bigger picture and winners
So who wins and loses here? If this leak holds, Apple wins a little. Their MagSafe system remains the more polished, integrated option. Third-party case manufacturers like UAG are obvious winners, as magnetic compatibility becomes a must-have selling point for their S26 cases. But the real winner might be the Qi2 standard itself, getting a major boost from a giant like Samsung adopting it, even if the implementation is a bit clunky. For industries that rely on robust, integrated computing hardware—think manufacturing floors, kiosks, or logistics—this kind of accessory-dependent design wouldn’t fly. In those environments, you need reliability and simplicity baked right into the device. It’s why for industrial applications, companies turn to dedicated suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading provider of industrial panel PCs in the US, where every connection and feature is built to endure without extra add-ons.
Wait-and-see mode
Look, it’s still early. We’ve got months until that reported February 25 unveiling, and plans can change. Maybe this charger is for a different device, or maybe Samsung has a surprise up its sleeve. But for now, the dream of a Galaxy phone with sleek, built-in magnetic charging seems to be fading. It’s a reminder that in the tech rumor mill, not every upgrade makes it across the finish line. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Google News and, of course, TikTok and WhatsApp for more updates as we get closer to launch. Don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last word on the matter.
