Samsung has officially announced the date for its highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event, putting an end to weeks of speculation. The event is scheduled for February 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) and will take place in San Francisco. While Samsung has not yet confirmed the full list of products that will be unveiled, industry reports strongly suggest that the spotlight will be on the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.
The timing of this event is notable, as it will occur just one week before Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona. Although some expected Samsung to launch earlier in the year, the late-February date still positions the company to set the tone for the premium Android smartphone market in 2026. With competition intensifying—especially after recent advancements from Apple and other Android manufacturers—Samsung is under pressure to deliver meaningful upgrades across hardware and software.
Galaxy S26 Lineup Overview
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series at Galaxy Unpacked 2026, continuing its familiar flagship strategy. Based on current leaks and reports, the lineup will likely include three main models: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. While earlier rumors suggested Samsung might replace the base model with a higher-priced “Pro” version, more recent information indicates the company will stick with its traditional structure. No major redesigns are expected, but incremental upgrades to performance, cameras, and software—particularly AI—are anticipated to keep the series competitive in the premium smartphone market.
Galaxy S26
The standard Galaxy S26 is expected to remain Samsung’s entry-level flagship for 2026. Design changes are rumored to be minimal, although the phone could see the return of a slightly raised camera bump after the Galaxy S25 featured a flush camera layout. Some reports suggest the display may grow slightly to 6.3 inches, up from 6.2 inches on the previous generation, along with a slimmer overall profile.
Camera upgrades remain uncertain, with conflicting rumors pointing either to a new 50-megapixel ultrawide camera or the retention of the existing 12-megapixel sensor. In terms of performance, the Galaxy S26 is expected to use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the US and China, while other regions may receive Samsung’s Exynos 2600 processor. Additional rumored specifications include 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 4,300mAh battery.
Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Edge
The Galaxy S26 Plus is expected to return for users who prefer a larger display without stepping up to the Ultra model. It will likely feature a 6.7-inch display similar to its predecessor and maintain a slim profile at around 7.35mm thickness. Like other S26 models, it is expected to use Snapdragon chips in the US and China and Exynos silicon in other markets.
At the same time, Samsung may still have plans for an ultra-thin Galaxy S26 Edge, although it may not launch alongside the main lineup. If released later in the year, the S26 Edge could measure just 5.5mm thick, making it thinner than its predecessor and even slimmer than Apple’s rumored iPhone Air. Leaks suggest it could feature the same 6.7-inch display as the Plus model but pair it with a slightly larger 4,200mAh battery, focusing on design rather than raw power.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be Samsung’s most advanced smartphone of 2026. As with previous Ultra models, it will likely offer top-tier hardware, including up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Battery capacity is expected to remain at 5,000mAh, but charging speeds could see a boost, with reports suggesting 60W wired and 25W wireless charging support.
The Ultra is also expected to feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the US and China, while other regions may receive the Exynos 2600. Another notable rumor suggests Samsung could switch back to an aluminum frame after experimenting with titanium in recent models, potentially balancing durability, weight, and cost.
New Galaxy Buds 4
Alongside the Galaxy S26 phones, Samsung is rumored to introduce the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Leaked product images indicate subtle design changes, including metallic accents on the stems that give the earbuds a more premium look and help distinguish them from Apple’s AirPods.
As in previous generations, the standard Buds 4 are expected to feature a plastic design, while the Buds 4 Pro may include silicone eartips for improved comfort and noise isolation. Audio quality, active noise cancellation, and battery life are all expected to see incremental improvements.
New AI Features and Bixby Updates
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a major role in the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung has hinted at a new AI-powered privacy shield feature that could limit screen visibility when viewed from the side, helping protect notifications or sensitive content from prying eyes. This feature is expected to rely on AI-based display rendering that adapts in real time depending on viewing angle.
Additionally, Samsung’s partnership with Nota AI could significantly improve on-device generative AI performance. Reports suggest the Galaxy S26 phones may be able to generate images faster using AI models that run primarily on the device rather than relying on cloud processing. Bixby is also expected to receive updates, potentially offering better contextual understanding, faster responses, and deeper integration with system-level AI features.