Samsung is poised to unveil its next generation of flagship devices, including the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, at an Unpacked event expected on , in San Francisco. While Samsung has yet to officially confirm the date, corroboration from reliable tipsters like Evan Blass points to this timeline, pushing the in-store availability of the new series to early March. The event promises not only new smartphones but also potential surprises, including updates to the audio experience with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and possibly a glimpse into the future of wearable technology with AI-powered glasses.
Galaxy S26: Evolution, Not Revolution
Reports suggest Samsung is continuing a restrained approach to design, with the Galaxy S26 series not expected to radically depart from the aesthetic established with the S25. The phones will likely maintain a flat front screen and frame, with rounded corners and a vertically aligned camera housing on the rear. However, under the hood and in specific features, significant changes are anticipated.
The base Galaxy S26 model, previously rumored to be replaced by a “Pro” variant, will indeed continue as the standard offering. A potential upgrade for the lower-end models includes an improved ultrawide-angle camera sensor, moving from 12MP to 50MP, according to recent reports. The S26 could also feature a slightly larger 6.3-inch display and a modestly increased 4,300mAh battery, a 300mAh improvement over the Galaxy S25’s capacity.
The Galaxy S26 Edge: A Slimmer Profile?
Adding intrigue to the lineup is the possibility of a Galaxy S26 Edge model, potentially replacing the “Plus” designation. Leaks indicate a remarkably slim design, measuring just 5.5mm thick – even thinner than the Galaxy S25 Edge and Apple’s iPhone Air. This model is expected to retain a 6.7-inch screen size.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: Refining the Flagship Experience
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung’s top-tier offering, is expected to receive refinements to its design, addressing ergonomic concerns raised by the S25 Ultra. Leaked renders suggest curvier corners and a redesigned camera bump. The device is also rumored to be slightly slimmer, at 7.9mm thick. A key feature highlighted in recent teasers is a new privacy display technology designed to protect on-screen information from prying eyes.
Internally, the S26 Ultra is anticipated to boast a larger 1/1.1-inch 200MP Sony sensor with an f/1.4 aperture for its main camera, promising improved low-light performance. The device will likely be powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (in the US and China) or the Exynos 2600 in other regions. The Exynos 2600 is generating excitement due to claims of a significantly faster Neural Processing Unit (NPU), potentially surpassing Qualcomm’s flagship chipset in AI performance.
One UI 8.5: Enhanced User Experience
Alongside the new hardware, Samsung is expected to unveil One UI 8.5, the latest iteration of its Android-based user interface. A beta version of One UI 8.5 has already been available, revealing features such as an expanded dark theme, improved Home Up support, lockscreen widget functionality, and enhanced AI-powered features, including a notification summary system similar to Apple’s.
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Redesigned Audio
Samsung is also preparing to launch the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, the next generation of its flagship wireless earbuds. Leaks suggest a significant redesign, with a flat stem and a new wire grille design. Details regarding new features and audio improvements remain scarce, but the Buds 4 Pro are expected to deliver a premium audio experience.
Beyond the core smartphone and audio offerings, Samsung may also provide a preview of its upcoming smart glasses, developed in partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. While a full launch isn’t expected at the February event, a teaser could signal Samsung’s entry into the competitive augmented reality eyewear market.
The Samsung Unpacked event on , promises to be a significant moment for the company, showcasing its latest innovations in mobile technology and potentially hinting at its future direction in emerging areas like wearable AI.
