The Galaxy S26 collection appears to be like 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 relies on Apple’s MagSafe know-how.

Whereas the Pixel 10 collection is sort of much like its predecessor, the Pixel 9 collection, 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 collection stays with out them.

The Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to debut early subsequent 12 months, 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 embody magnets in its units.

Because of a brand new leak on X, courtesy of Sonny Dickson, a tech reviewer and journalist, we would now have our first main trace that Samsung may lastly carry Qi2 to the Galaxy S26 collection (through Android Authority). The leaked picture reveals three alleged dummy items for the Galaxy S26 collection: 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 gadget, which is probably going for a magnet. You possibly can try the leaked picture under.

Samsung is copying extra than simply magnets

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

Whereas that is only a leaked picture of dummy items, it is onerous to not get excited by the prospect of Qi2 magnetic charging lastly coming to the Galaxy collection. I used to be disillusioned when Samsung did not do it this 12 months with the Galaxy S25 series, but it surely appears poised to take action subsequent 12 months with the Galaxy S26 collection.

If Samsung, for some purpose, did not embody magnets and assist Qi2 with the S26 collection, I’d be shocked. Now that Google has finished it with the Pixel 10 collection, 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 collection, one other noteworthy element is the digital camera design variations throughout every mannequin. The Galaxy S26 Pro (which rumor has will probably be much like the usual S25, with the “Professional” designation added) now incorporates 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.

Nonetheless, the standout digital camera design is undoubtedly the S26 Edge, which, based mostly on the leaked dummy unit, may function 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 like with the Galaxy S26 collection, not solely is Samsung copying what Google has finished with the Pixel 10 collection and magnets, but in addition what Apple is about to do with the iPhone 17 collection. 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 completely no purpose, and I am stunned Samsung would not simply comply with what it did with the S25 Edge, except this can be a technique to make the cellphone stand out extra.

The Galaxy S26 collection 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. Nonetheless, I’m enthusiastic about the potential for the S26 collection that includes magnets, and now that the Pixel 10 collection additionally consists of them, it is onerous 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.