The Galaxy S26 sequence appears to be like prefer it’s stealing from Apple and Google

When Google unveiled the Pixel 10 series in August, the characteristic 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 characteristic for Android customers. 5 years later, Google lastly did — with the assistance of Qi2’s Magnetic Energy Profile, which relies 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 predicted to debut early subsequent yr, and the massive query on my thoughts, and I am positive many others’, is whether or not Samsung will observe Google’s lead — and consistent with Apple — and at last embody 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 (through Android Authority). The leaked picture exhibits three alleged dummy models 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 big round engraving on every gadget, which is probably going for a magnet. You possibly can try the leaked picture beneath.

Samsung is copying extra than simply magnets

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

Whereas that is only a leaked picture of dummy models, it is laborious to not get excited by the prospect of Qi2 magnetic charging lastly coming to the Galaxy sequence. I used to be upset 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 motive, did not embody magnets and help Qi2 with the S26 sequence, I’d be shocked. Now that Google has accomplished it with the Pixel 10 sequence, and Apple has had MagSafe for half a decade, it looks as if Samsung has no selection if it desires to maintain up (please do not break my coronary heart, Samsung).

Past the round cutout on the dummy models for the Galaxy S26 sequence, one other noteworthy element is the digital camera 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 includes a pill-shaped digital camera 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 digital camera design is undoubtedly the S26 Edge, which, based mostly on the leaked dummy unit, may characteristic a big rectangular digital camera bar, related to what’s anticipated on the iPhone 17 Pro, set to be unveiled by Apple on September 9.

So it looks as if with the Galaxy S26 sequence, not solely is Samsung copying what Google has accomplished with the Pixel 10 sequence and magnets, but additionally what Apple is about to do with the iPhone 17 sequence. I’ve to confess, I am a bit puzzled by what Samsung is doubtlessly doing with the design of the S26 Edge. It appears to be like prefer it may have a bigger digital camera bar for totally no motive, and I am stunned Samsung would not simply observe what it did with the S25 Edge, except this can be a solution to make the telephone stand out extra.

The Galaxy S26 sequence remains 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 potential for the S26 sequence that includes magnets, and now that the Pixel 10 sequence additionally contains them, it is laborious to think about Samsung not following go well with. Additionally, as somebody who likes the design of Apple’s latest iPhones, I am not overly upset about Samsung taking inspiration from that both.