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Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series may be among the first smartphones to ship with Bluetooth 6.1 — but there’s a catch. A freshly certified Exynos connectivity module points to faster, more private, and more energy-efficient Bluetooth, while regional chip choices could leave some models behind.
Exynos S6568: a connectivity module, not the main processor
The Bluetooth SIG listing names the Exynos S6568 as a connectivity module that handles Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi alongside an Exynos application processor. In short, the S6568 is intended to be paired with a compatible Exynos application processor to provide a full BT + Wi‑Fi solution supporting Bluetooth 6.1. It’s explicitly separate from the Exynos 2600 application processor many expect for the S26.
Why the Snapdragon variants might miss out
Here’s the twist: the listing doesn’t clarify whether Galaxy S26 models powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will get Bluetooth 6.1. For reference, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 currently supports Bluetooth 6.0, not 6.1. That raises the real possibility of a feature split between regions — Samsung reportedly plans to use the Exynos 2600 in most markets, while the Snapdragon chip would power units in the US and China. The S26 launch is now rumored for March 2026, which fits the timing of the certification.
What Bluetooth 6.1 brings to the table
Bluetooth 6.1, officially introduced in May 2025, focuses on practical upgrades rather than headline-grabbing new features. The improvements target privacy, stability, and power efficiency — all things that matter in everyday use:
- Randomized Resolvable Private Address (RPA) updates — devices can change their Bluetooth identity more frequently to reduce tracking risk in public places.
- Controller-based address management — shifting address handling off the main CPU and onto the Bluetooth controller saves power and frees system resources.
- Better stability and energy use — smoother handoffs and less battery drain for earbuds, wearables, and smart home gear.
By contrast, Bluetooth 6.0 introduced features like ultra-precise Channel Sounding for centimeter-level location accuracy. Version 6.1 doubles down on privacy and efficiency, which translates into fewer connection drops and longer accessory battery life.
Real-world implications for Galaxy users
If Samsung integrates the Exynos S6568 into the S26 lineup, buyers in markets that receive Exynos-powered units could see faster reconnections, improved battery life for paired accessories, and stronger privacy protections when using Bluetooth in crowded environments. That would be a tangible improvement for anyone using wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or multiple smart home devices.
Whether the Galaxy S26 becomes the first major smartphone family to ship with Bluetooth 6.1 will ultimately depend on final hardware choices and regional chip assignments. Still, the Exynos S6568 certification signals a clear push toward more secure, efficient wireless experiences — a welcome upgrade for users fed up with flaky Bluetooth connections.
Source: gizmochina
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