The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S26 series is slated for an official unveiling on February 25 in San Francisco, according to a report from the South Korean outlet, Money Today. This announcement comes later than the launch of the Galaxy S25, which was revealed on January 22, 2025, and earlier than some recent predictions. For context, the Galaxy S24 was introduced on January 17, 2024, highlighting Samsung's evolving timeline for its flagship smartphone releases.
An insider familiar with Samsung's plans has revealed that the upcoming Galaxy S26 Unpacked event will take place in San Francisco due to its significance as a hub for artificial intelligence. This strategic choice aligns with the expected features of the Galaxy S26, which will incorporate next-generation AI technology, as stated by Danie Araujo, Vice President of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Division.
Initially, Samsung intended to replace its standard model with a Pro variant and to introduce a successor to the Galaxy S25 Edge under the Galaxy S26 Plus designation. However, market trends indicated a lack of interest in slim phones, prompting Samsung to revert to its traditional lineup of standard, Plus, and Ultra models. This last-minute change has disrupted Samsung's launch plans, necessitating a delay for the Galaxy S26 series.
The upcoming Galaxy S26 series is expected to mark the return of Samsung's in-house smartphone chipset, the Exynos 2600. All variants of the Galaxy S26 will be powered by this chipset, with the exception of models destined for North America, China, and Japan, which will utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Although the Exynos 2600 may not match the speed of its Snapdragon counterpart, it has the potential to outperform the chipset found in the iPhone 17 Pro. However, Samsung has not yet finalized its decision regarding which chipset will ultimately power the Galaxy S26, as they are currently grappling with manufacturing challenges related to the Exynos 2600.
Initially, the Galaxy S26 was expected to launch in March, making the newly rumored February 25 date a beacon of hope for enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the device's release. Although the phones are anticipated to be unveiled at the end of February, the exact date for their market availability remains uncertain. For reference, the Galaxy S25 series was officially released on February 3, suggesting that a similar timeline could lead to a March 9 release for the Galaxy S26 models.
Samsung is reportedly set to begin mass production of the Galaxy S26 Ultra in December, with production for the other two variants scheduled to start in January. Whether this setup will result in a staggered release is yet to be determined, adding to the anticipation surrounding the launch.
While some Samsung fans may express disappointment over the delay of the Galaxy S26, many agree that prioritizing quality over speed is crucial. The additional time has allowed Samsung to enhance the devices with improved cameras and larger batteries. Given the heightened scrutiny surrounding the Galaxy S26, it is essential for Samsung to deliver superior specifications to meet consumer expectations.
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