Overview

• Samsung is reportedly adding a new NFC antenna at the top of its Galaxy S26 series to complement the existing rear coil for more reliable contactless payments.
• The dual-antenna setup aims to reduce misalignment issues that current Galaxy models face and bring tap-to-pay performance on par with recent iPhones.
• Samsung has designed the update to navigate around Apple’s patents on antenna placement and to bolster Samsung Wallet’s limited share in the U.S. mobile payments market.
• Reports suggest the Galaxy S26 series lineup will shift to Pro, Edge and Ultra models, replacing the traditional base and Plus variants.
• The design remains in pre-production with potential for last-minute revisions as Samsung targets a January 2026 launch.