From the start, the Galaxy S26 Ultra hasn't been painted as a radical redesign. Most rumors pointed to cautious upgrades, but hopes still lingered around a more refined design and native support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard.

However, recent developments suggest a more disappointing outcome.

No Qi2, but colorful S Pen tips instead

Dutch tech outlet NieuweMobiel recently released leaked images of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s S Pen and several official accessories.

As expected, the S Pen retains its asymmetric, slightly curved design - an engineering result of Samsung relocating the stylus slot closer to the device's edge. This change is more about internal structure than aesthetics.

More notably, the new S Pen appears in just two core colors - black and white - but its tip is colored to match the rumored four body color variants: black, white, cobalt violet, and sky blue.

In previous generations, Samsung typically matched the entire S Pen to the phone’s body color. This time, the partial color coding is a shift toward personalisation - but feels unfamiliar to long-time users.

More crucially, NieuweMobiel also reported that not all S26 Ultra cases include magnets. This aligns with 9to5Google’s assessment: the phone itself likely won’t have built-in magnetic alignment, ruling out true native Qi2 support.

Devices designed for Qi2 rely heavily on magnetic alignment to stabilize connections and optimize charging speed. Without internal magnets, accessories like wallets, grips, and chargers struggle to stay securely attached - unless paired with magnet-equipped cases.

These magnetic cases help maintain a secure hold and functionality, but they place an additional burden on users to purchase compatible accessories.

Disappointment as Samsung lags behind again

Qi2 is the next-generation wireless charging standard that uses magnetic alignment to improve energy transfer, reduce heat, and support faster charging.

Beyond charging, it enables a broader accessory ecosystem - from stands and grips to attachable batteries and wallets.

Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 in 2020. Google followed suit last year with the Pixel 10. Meanwhile, Samsung has stayed on the sidelines.

With the Galaxy S25, the company only offered Qi2 support through add-on magnetic cases, rather than integrating magnets into the phone body. That same approach seems poised to repeat with the S26 Ultra.

Previous leaks had suggested that Samsung would embrace full Qi2 integration on the S26 line. Many hoped for wireless charging speeds of up to 25W - matching the Qi 2.2.1 standard. Even early prototype images hinted at magnets and Samsung-branded magnetic accessories like rings and battery packs.

Now, the key question is whether those accessories were designed to pair only with “Qi2 Ready” cases - or if Samsung reversed its plan and pulled native Qi2 support at the last minute.

So far, there’s been no official answer.

If current leaks prove accurate, the redesigned camera module and new Privacy Display may end up being the few standout upgrades on the Galaxy S26 Ultra - alongside the annual processor bump.

Samsung might still deliver minor but meaningful refinements. But in the ultra-premium flagship segment, small updates often fail to make up for the absence of bold innovation.

Qi2 could have brought a sense of fun and convenience to the S26 Ultra, allowing for stronger personalization and a richer accessory ecosystem.

But with signs pointing the other way, it appears Samsung may not be ready to go all in on this direction - at least not yet.

As rivals charge ahead with integrated magnets and seamless accessories, Samsung’s caution risks making the S26 Ultra feel like a powerhouse in specs but a step behind in spirit.

Hai Phong