One UI 8.5 hints at faster wireless charging for the Galaxy S26

After five years, Samsung seems to be bringing faster wired charging to its phones with the Galaxy S26 series. However, that is not the only charging upgrade the company is bringing. The South Korean firm seems to be bringing faster wireless charging as well.

One UI 8.5 firmware files have leaked several times, and several upcoming features have been spotted in its code. Android Authority has spotted references to ‘Super Fast Wireless Charging' in One UI 8.5 code. It is likely hinting at 25W fast wireless charging that was earlier rumoured to be coming to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26+ could get 20W fast wireless charging.

With up to 25W wireless charging, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's rumoured 5,200mAh battery will likely charge from 0-100% in an hour or so. That is almost as fast as 45W fast wired charging of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Samsung introduced wireless charging in its phones in 2014 with the Galaxy S5 and slowly increased its speed once every few years and used the Qi standard.

Besides faster wireless charging speeds, all the phones in the Galaxy S26 series are expected to feature built-in magnets for automatic alignment of the device with a compatible wireless charger, offering ease of use. It would also make those phones compatible with Qi2 accessories like wallets, pop sockets, grips, charging stands, car chargers, and power bands.

While most Chinese brands offer up to 50W wireless charging on their high-end phones, they use proprietary charging technologies to achieve those speeds. Apple, Google, and Samsung stick to the Qi standard for wireless charging on their phones and other mobile devices.