A recently leaked teaser, shared by well-known tipster Evan Blass, has strengthened reports that Samsung plans to unveil the Galaxy S26 lineup on February 25. The image closely resembles the invitations Samsung traditionally uses for its Galaxy Unpacked events, which are dedicated to announcing its latest flagship smartphones.
While the teaser itself does not show any of the devices, it strongly hints at a heavy focus on artificial intelligence. This is suggested by the visual elements in the image, particularly the “stars,” which appear to symbolise advanced AI features expected to play a major role in the new generation of Galaxy phones.
Earlier reports suggest the event will take place in San Francisco, California, though Samsung has not officially confirmed the location in the teaser.
Launch timeline and availability
If the current schedule holds, reservations for the Galaxy S26 devices should open on February 26, just one day after the presentation.
Retail availability in selected markets is expected to begin around March 11, following Samsung’s usual staggered rollout strategy.
Galaxy S26 launch arrives later than usual
The Galaxy S26 announcement is arriving later than Samsung’s typical flagship timeline. For comparison, the Galaxy S25 series was introduced on January 22, 2025. This roughly one-month delay is believed to be due to last-minute strategic changes to Samsung’s product lineup.
According to industry speculation, Samsung may have scrapped plans for an ultra-thin Galaxy S26 Edge model. Reports suggest this decision was influenced by disappointing sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge, leading the company to refocus on its more established lineup.
As a result, the Galaxy S26 family is expected to consist of three familiar models:
- Galaxy S26
- Galaxy S26 Plus
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
New features and hardware upgrades
Leaks and rumors indicate that all three Galaxy S26 models will support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging at up to 25W. Recent sightings of compatible chargers and protective cases have added weight to these claims, suggesting Samsung is embracing magnetic charging more fully.
Under the hood, the devices are expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The displays may also introduce a new “Privacy Display” feature that enhances visual security by limiting on-screen visibility at certain angles.
Pricing remains uncertain, but analysts warn that Samsung may raise prices due to ongoing shortages and rising DRAM and NAND memory costs. That said, Samsung often adjusts pricing based on regional market conditions, so increases may not be universal.
More products expected at Galaxy Unpacked
The Galaxy Unpacked event may go beyond smartphones. Samsung is widely expected to introduce the Galaxy Buds 4, which are rumoured to feature a brushed aluminium finish and enhanced gesture-based controls.
In addition, Samsung could announce the global expansion of the Galaxy Z TriFold, its triple-folding smartphone that has already launched in South Korea and the United States. There is also speculation that Samsung may tease or share early details about its upcoming smart glasses, offering a glimpse into the company’s broader ecosystem plans.
Overall, the Galaxy S26 launch is shaping up to be a major event, not just for new smartphones, but for Samsung’s wider hardware and AI-driven strategy moving into the next generation.
