Samsung is working on a hardware tweak that could make tap-to-pay a lot smoother on the upcoming Galaxy S26. According to early reports, the phones will include a second NFC antenna at the top edge, in addition to the usual one near the back camera.
It’s a small change, but it could have a big impact. One of the most common complaints with Samsung Wallet is how picky the NFC placement can be—if you don’t align the rear coil just right at checkout, payments often fail. A top-mounted antenna should make things more forgiving, letting you tap from the top or back, similar to how Apple Pay works.
Samsung reportedly designed the new layout in a way that sidesteps Apple’s NFC patents. Testing is already underway, but the design isn’t final yet. The Galaxy S26 is expected in January 2026, so there’s still time for tweaks.
If it ships as rumored, Samsung Wallet might finally deliver a tap-to-pay experience that just works—no awkward tilting or guessing required.