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Samsung’s next Galaxy S flagship may arrive later than usual. New reports suggest the Galaxy S26 series will be unveiled at an AI-focused Unpacked event in San Francisco on February 25 — roughly a month behind the brand’s typical schedule.
Why Samsung is shifting the Unpacked date
Multiple leaks have pointed to a late-February launch, and a Korean outlet (via X user @Jukan) claims Samsung is deliberately moving the event to coincide with the company’s renewed emphasis on artificial intelligence. The source says this will be Samsung’s first San Francisco Unpacked in three years, since the S23 launch in 2023 — a symbolic choice given San Francisco’s status as an AI hub.
Imagine staging the reveal where developers, startups and AI researchers are already gathered. It’s a strategic play: position the Galaxy S26 as an "AI smartphone" and get immediate attention from the tech community.
Models returning — and what that means for buyers
Recent chatter indicates Samsung may return to a three-model lineup: the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and the S26 Ultra. That’s a reversal from earlier plans that reportedly swapped the Plus for an Edge variant. Poor sales of the Edge seem to have prompted Samsung to revive the familiar Plus model instead.
- Galaxy S26 — the baseline flagship with flagship features and improved AI software.
- Galaxy S26 Plus — the middle child, likely balancing size and battery life.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra — the premium model with top-tier cameras and specs.
Will there still be an Edge model?
Reports show the Edge may no longer be part of the main lineup after disappointing demand. Samsung looks to be consolidating around the three-model strategy that buyers and reviewers already understand.
Chip strategy: Exynos returns (at least in some markets)
One of the more surprising claims: Samsung might equip the Galaxy S26 series with its Exynos 2600 chip across all models — including the Ultra — in some regions. If true, this would mark the first time Exynos powers the Ultra since the Galaxy S22 generation. However, Samsung is expected to maintain a dual-chip approach: select markets will continue to get Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
In short: expect regional chipset splits to persist. Historically, Samsung has allocated Exynos and Snapdragon variants by market, and that pattern appears set to continue.
What to watch for next
Key things to keep an eye on in the coming weeks:
- Official confirmation of the February 25 Unpacked date and San Francisco venue.
- Finalized model lineup — whether the Plus is fully back and what happens to the Edge.
- Exact chipset allocations by region and benchmarks comparing Exynos 2600 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
- Details on Samsung’s "AI smartphone" features and how they stand out from competitors.
Whether you’re planning to upgrade or just curious about Samsung’s AI push, the February Unpacked should give a clearer picture of where the Galaxy line is heading. Stay tuned: if Samsung is doubling down on AI, this S26 cycle could be more about software advances than raw spec wars.
Source: gizmochina
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