Big Changes Coming to Galaxy S26 Ultra: New S Pen, Qi2 Ring, Thinner Design

Samsung may be planning major changes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra — and it’s not just about the camera. While fans continue to hope for imaging upgrades, a new leak hints at broader hardware overhauls. We might be in for a reinvented S Pen, full-scale Qi2 wireless charging support, and a slimmer form factor.

Galaxy S26 Ultra may be the last with a built-in S Pen, but the first with new tech

Samsung has reportedly revamped S Pen technology that could change how stylus input works on Galaxy devices. Its reinvented stylus system eliminates the need for a digitizer — a move that could open the door for a thinner design and more internal space for new features.

Traditionally, Samsung’s S Pen relies on a digitizer layer beneath the display to detect stylus input with precision. However, the rumored new S Pen tech does away with this layer entirely. Instead, the stylus would work without requiring digitizer hardware, enabling Samsung to reclaim approximately 0.6mm of thickness and use that freed-up space for other components or to slim down the phone’s profile.

This solution is expected to debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 next month. The foldable won’t feature a built-in S Pen, but the stylus will be available as an optional accessory. Samsung plans to shift its Ultra flagships in the same direction, starting with the Galaxy S27 Ultra in 2027. In that case, next year’s S26 Ultra will be the last model in the lineup with a built-in S Pen. However, it will be the first Ultra to feature the new stylus system.

Built-in full-scale Qi2 wireless charging

While the Galaxy S25 series already supports the Qi2 wireless charging standard, it requires users to attach a special Qi2-compatible magnetic case to take advantage of it. This is because of the lack of built-in magnets for magnetic alignment. The Galaxy S26 Ultra may fix this inconvenience with a native Qi2 magnetic ring built directly into the phone. Perhaps removing the S Pen digitizer allows Samsung to add magnets to the device.

In practice, this would not only enhance the wireless charging experience but also allow users to attach magnetic accessories. Of course, this can already be done with a magnetic case on the S25 series, but this half-baked support limits your case choices. You cannot freely put any cover without worrying about Qi2 functionality.

With the digitizer removed and other components optimized, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is also expected to shed some thickness compared to its predecessor. The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 8.2mm, and the next-gen model may drop under 8mm. The addition of Qi2 magnets could still add to its weight and thickness, though. However, even a slight slimming down could improve handling and aesthetics.

As always, it’s worth noting that these details are based on leaks and subject to change as Samsung finalizes its design and features. But if the reports hold true, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could usher in the next big evolution of Samsung’s most powerful phone line. The company is actively working on its next-gen flagship lineup, which includes an ultra-slim Edge model.