Samsung Electronics is transitioning its Galaxy smartphone line to the Qi2 wireless-charging standard starting in 2026 [1].

This shift addresses long-standing hardware limitations and efficiency gaps in the Galaxy ecosystem. Users have struggled with limited charging versatility, particularly regarding the ability to power smaller accessories using their phones.

Currently, Samsung Galaxy phones support legacy Qi wireless charging, which provides up to 15 W [2]. However, this hardware does not support reverse wireless charging for certain newer wearables. Android Police said, "You can't reverse wireless charge the Galaxy Watch 7 or Ultra with your Samsung phone" [2].

The inability to share power between a phone and a watch creates a friction point for users who rely on a seamless ecosystem. While some legacy devices offered limited reverse charging, the current hardware configuration prevents this specific interaction with the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra [2].

To resolve these efficiency and speed issues, Samsung confirmed that upcoming Galaxy phones will support the Qi2 wireless-charging standard beginning in 2026 [1]. The new standard is expected to provide better alignment and faster power delivery compared to the legacy Qi system.

Industry analysts suggest that the transition will modernize the charging experience. Android Police said, "The S26 Ultra could finally make wireless charging feel worthwhile again" [3]. This suggests that the adoption of Qi2 is not just a marginal update, but a necessary step to keep the Galaxy line competitive against other flagship devices that have already moved toward magnetic and high-efficiency charging standards.

Samsung has not detailed the specific rollout schedule for every model, but the 2026 timeline marks the official start of the Qi2 integration [1].

“"You can't reverse wireless charge the Galaxy Watch 7 or Ultra with your Samsung phone."”

The move to Qi2 represents a critical infrastructure update for Samsung. By moving away from legacy Qi and its 15 W limit, Samsung is addressing a hardware gap that has left its users unable to use their phones as power sources for their latest wearables. This transition aligns Samsung with a broader industry shift toward magnetic alignment and higher efficiency, likely reducing energy waste and improving the overall utility of the Galaxy ecosystem.