Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Everything We're Expecting from the S26 Launch
Samsung's 2025 was a year of innovation, introducing new foldables, an ultra-thin form factor, and Google's XR platform. With the first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026 fast approaching, we're ready to dive into what we can expect from Samsung's upcoming smartphone lineup. But first, let's set the stage for what's to come.
When is Unpacked 2026 Happening?
Leakster Evan Blass recently shared an image indicating that Unpacked 2026 will take place on February 25, 2026. With Blass' credible track record, this date is all but confirmed. The remaining questions are about the exact time and timezone, details we're eagerly awaiting from Samsung. Stay tuned for the official word!
Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra
Samsung's design philosophy for the Galaxy S26 series is expected to remain consistent with the S25. The phones will feature a flat front screen and frame with rounded corners, and cameras housed in a vertical pill-shaped plateau on the back. While internal components like screens, chips, and camera sensors may vary, the overall design language will stay familiar.
The Galaxy S26 series will likely be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, offering improved performance and on-device AI processing capabilities. However, Samsung's Exynos 2600 chip might be used in some regions, a strategy reminiscent of past iterations.
Key specifications for the S26 include a 6.3-inch FHD+ display, 12GB of RAM, and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. The battery capacity is expected to be slightly larger than the S25, at 4,300mAh. Camera specifications, including a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel telephoto, and 12-megapixel selfie camera, will remain unchanged from the previous generation.
The Galaxy S26+ will mirror the S26's specifications, except for the addition of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. The S26 Ultra, on the other hand, may feature a slightly raised camera bump with a new metallic finish. Rumors suggest Samsung might switch back to an aluminum frame for the S26 Ultra, after using titanium frames on the S24 and S25 models.
One significant change for the S26 Ultra could be the removal of the S Pen digitizer layer, allowing for Qi2 wireless charging support even when a case is attached. This is a notable departure from the S25 Ultra's technical compatibility with Qi2.
Galaxy Buds 4
Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro are rumored to be announced soon, with a focus on a more compact case and less angular stems. They will likely support head gestures for call acceptance, a feature Apple introduced with the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4. Additionally, the Buds 4 and 4 Pro may include a new Ultra Wideband chip, enhancing their compatibility with Google's Find Hub network.
Galaxy Z TriFold
The Galaxy Z TriFold, a smartphone that folds into a tablet, was announced in late 2025 without a specific North American release date. However, it became available in the US on January 30, 2026, for $2,900. Given that the device was showcased at CES 2026, we expect Samsung to give it minimal attention during the Unpacked event.
Galaxy S26 Edge
There were conflicting reports about the Galaxy S26 Edge's existence, but it seems Samsung will continue offering it as an alternative to traditional smartphones and foldables. The S26 Edge is rumored to have a unique design, featuring a large rectangular camera plateau reminiscent of Google's Pixel phones and Apple's iPhone Air. It will be slightly thinner than the S25 Edge, at 5.5mm.
Bixby and AI Features
Samsung's partnership with Google for AI features is well-known, but the company is also exploring other AI collaborations. Bloomberg reported in June 2025 that Samsung was in talks with Perplexity to integrate its AI-powered search engine across OneUI and its mobile browser. This integration could serve as an alternative to Google Gemini.
The accidental announcement of a new Bixby AI assistant further emphasizes Samsung's focus on AI. A deeper integration with Perplexity and a new Bixby interface are likely to be showcased at the Galaxy Unpacked event, showcasing Samsung's commitment to AI innovation.
