Samsung's Galaxy S26: A Design Shift Inspired by iPhone 17?
It looks like Samsung might be taking a page out of Apple's book with its upcoming Galaxy S26 line. Leaks are suggesting some pretty big design changes that bring Samsung's phones closer to the iPhone's aesthetic, which is a bold move, if you ask me. I mean, for years, they've been trying to stand apart, and now, maybe not so much.
Camera Design Overhaul
The most eye-catching change is apparently on the rumored S26 Edge. Instead of the typical individual lenses or a small camera bump, it's looking like it might have a wide, horizontal camera bump stretching across the entire back of the phone. Sources indicates this is eerily similar to what we're expecting from the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Even the standard S26 and S26 Ultra are ditching the minimalist look for slightly raised camera islands, akin to the base-model iPhone 17.
While the S26 Ultra seems to be sticking with its quad-lens setup, the S26 Edge is supposedly switching to a two-lens system with the flash sitting right next to it. To me, this is a clear departure from Samsung's usual design language and a pretty strong nod to Apple's design choices. It kind of makes you wonder what's driving this shift.
MagSafe for Samsung?
But that's not all. The leaked dummy units also show what appears to be circular engravings on the back, hinting at magnetic charging components. This strongly suggests that Samsung is planning to adopt the Qi2 wireless charging standard, which includes a Magnetic Power Profile similar to Apple's MagSafe. Imagine being able to use the same magnetic chargers, stands, and wallets you can use for iPhones on your Samsung phone – that would be a game-changer, right?
If this turns out to be true, it would signal a major shift for Samsung. Up until now, they've stuck with coil-based wireless charging without any magnetic alignment. To me, this move suggests they're not only trying to improve the charging experience but also trying to tap into the lucrative accessory market that Apple has dominated with MagSafe. It's a smart business move, in my opinion, even if it means becoming a bit more like their biggest competitor.
While we're still a long way off from the expected launch of the S26 in February 2026, the seeds of change are definitely being sown. Whether these design choices will resonate with Samsung loyalists remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: the mobile landscape is constantly evolving, and companies are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve.
Source: Mac Rumors