The Galaxy S26 sequence seems prefer it’s stealing from Apple and Google

When Google unveiled the Pixel 10 series in August, the function I used to be most excited to see launched was Qi2 magnetic charging. Since Apple launched MagSafe on the iPhone again in 2020, I have been ready for the day both Google or Samsung would step as much as the plate and ship the same function for Android customers. 5 years later, Google lastly did — with the assistance of Qi2’s Magnetic Energy Profile, which is predicated on Apple’s MagSafe expertise.

Whereas the Pixel 10 sequence is sort of much like its predecessor, the Pixel 9 sequence, I wasn’t actually bothered by that, primarily due to how game-changing Qi2 is, and Google’s new Pixelsnap accessories. With Google now embracing magnets, out of the massive three smartphone manufacturers within the US, solely Samsung’s Galaxy sequence stays with out them.

The Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to debut early subsequent yr, and the massive query on my thoughts, and I am certain many others’, is whether or not Samsung will comply with Google’s lead — and in step with Apple — and at last embrace magnets in its units.

Due to a brand new leak on X, courtesy of Sonny Dickson, a tech reviewer and journalist, we’d now have our first main trace that Samsung may lastly carry Qi2 to the Galaxy S26 sequence (by way of Android Authority). The leaked picture reveals three alleged dummy items for the Galaxy S26 sequence: the Galaxy S26 Professional, the Galaxy S26 Edge, and the Galaxy S26 Extremely. What instantly caught my eye was the massive round engraving on every machine, which is probably going for a magnet. You possibly can take a look at the leaked picture beneath.

Samsung is copying extra than simply magnets

The Galaxy S26 sequence may need much more iPhone-inspired design components

Whereas that is only a leaked picture of dummy items, it is exhausting to not get excited by the prospect of Qi2 magnetic charging lastly coming to the Galaxy sequence. I used to be dissatisfied when Samsung did not do it this yr with the Galaxy S25 series, but it surely appears poised to take action subsequent yr with the Galaxy S26 sequence.

If Samsung, for some purpose, did not embrace magnets and assist Qi2 with the S26 sequence, I might be shocked. Now that Google has accomplished it with the Pixel 10 sequence, and Apple has had MagSafe for half a decade, it looks like Samsung has no selection if it needs to maintain up (please do not break my coronary heart, Samsung).

Past the round cutout on the dummy items for the Galaxy S26 sequence, one other noteworthy element is the digicam design variations throughout every mannequin. The Galaxy S26 Pro (which rumor has it will likely be much like the usual S25, with the “Professional” designation added) now incorporates a pill-shaped digicam island, resembling the design of the iPhone 16, the upcoming iPhone 17, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Galaxy S26 Extremely may additionally undertake this pill-shaped island for its cameras.

Nevertheless, the standout digicam design is undoubtedly the S26 Edge, which, primarily based on the leaked dummy unit, may function a big rectangular digicam bar, comparable to what’s anticipated on the iPhone 17 Pro, set to be unveiled by Apple on September 9.

So it looks like with the Galaxy S26 sequence, not solely is Samsung copying what Google has accomplished with the Pixel 10 sequence and magnets, but in addition what Apple is about to do with the iPhone 17 sequence. I’ve to confess, I am a bit puzzled by what Samsung is probably doing with the design of the S26 Edge. It seems prefer it may have a bigger digicam bar for totally no purpose, and I am shocked Samsung would not simply comply with what it did with the S25 Edge, except this can be a method to make the cellphone stand out extra.

The Galaxy S26 sequence continues to be over 4 months away, assuming Samsung sticks to its typical new-year launch cycle, so it is best to take this leak with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity of the S26 sequence that includes magnets, and now that the Pixel 10 sequence additionally contains them, it is exhausting to think about Samsung not following swimsuit. Additionally, as somebody who likes the design of Apple’s current iPhones, I am not overly upset about Samsung taking inspiration from that both.