Samsung has officially set , as the date for its next Galaxy Unpacked event, where the company is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series. The event will be held in San Francisco, California, marking a return to the city for the first time since 2020.
Alongside the announcement of the launch date, Samsung is offering incentives for potential customers to register their interest in the new devices. Those who register through the Galaxy Reserve program will receive a $30 credit towards pre-ordering the Galaxy S26, applicable to the purchase of eligible accessories or wireless earbuds alongside the phone itself. The credit doesn’t directly reduce the price of the S26, but provides savings on complementary products.
However, the potential reward doesn’t stop there. All registrants will also be automatically entered into a contest for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card redeemable on Samsung.com. Notably, participation in the contest doesn’t require a pre-order; simply registering through Galaxy Reserve qualifies individuals for the drawing.
A Chance to Stock Up on Samsung Gear
The $5,000 gift card presents a significant opportunity for consumers to acquire a wide range of Samsung products. Given the current product lineup, a winner could potentially purchase multiple devices, including the latest Galaxy Buds, a high-end Galaxy Watch, or even contribute towards a new Samsung television. The flexibility of the gift card allows for a customized selection of Samsung’s ecosystem of technology.
The contest is limited to legal residents of the United States aged 18 years or older and will close at . For those interested in watching the Unpacked event live, details on how to tune in will be available through Samsung’s channels.
While Samsung has yet to reveal specific pricing details for the Galaxy S26 lineup, current reports suggest the company does not intend to increase prices, at least within the United States market. This would be welcome news for consumers, given the ongoing economic climate and the increasing cost of flagship smartphones.
Based on the timing of the Unpacked event and the opening of pre-orders, it’s anticipated that the Galaxy S26 series could be available for purchase as early as the second week of March. However, Samsung has not yet confirmed a firm release date.
The Galaxy Reserve program extends beyond Samsung’s own website, with participation also available through AT&T and Best Buy, though specific details regarding those partnerships have not yet been disclosed. The registration window for Galaxy Reserve will remain open until .
The upcoming Unpacked event is expected to showcase not only the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, but also the next generation of Galaxy Buds – the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. This comprehensive launch event signals Samsung’s continued commitment to innovation across its mobile product portfolio.
Samsung’s strategy of incentivizing early engagement through the Galaxy Reserve program demonstrates a clear understanding of consumer behavior. By offering both a direct credit and a chance to win a substantial gift card, the company aims to build excitement and drive pre-orders for its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series. The program’s simplicity – requiring only a name and email address for registration – lowers the barrier to entry and encourages widespread participation.
The return of the Unpacked event to San Francisco also holds symbolic significance, representing a renewed focus on the North American market and a desire to reconnect with the tech community in Silicon Valley. The choice of location underscores Samsung’s ambition to remain a leading innovator in the global smartphone industry.
