Leaks are constantly surfacing in the smartphone world, and all eyes are already on Samsung’s next flagship series, the Galaxy S26. Of course, the most anticipated topic, along with the phones’ features, is their release date. A recent rumor about an early December launch generated excitement, but recent information suggests this possibility is highly unlikely. Let’s take a closer look at the latest developments regarding the Galaxy S26 series’ release date.
Galaxy S26 Release Date: What Do the Rumors Say?
An initial rumor suggested that Samsung might unveil the Galaxy S26 series in December to get a leg up on the competition. However, this rumor hasn’t been confirmed by other sources and has gradually weakened. The current strong expectation is that Samsung will hold an Unpacked event in January 2026, sticking to its traditional schedule.

In fact, the dates have become somewhat more clear. Industry sources predict the event will fall on a Wednesday in mid-January. This gives us two possible dates:
- January 14, 2026
- January 21, 2026
Following the launch, there’s usually a two-week pre-order period, after which the phones hit shelves. So, if all goes well, we could get the Galaxy S26 series in early February 2026.
Looking at Samsung’s recent launch schedule, we see that January has become the standard. This further strengthens the January 2026 claim for the S26.
There’s also some uncertainty about this year’s model lineup. While the fate of the Plus model is still unclear, a new, slimmer member is expected to join the family. Here are the potential models being discussed:
- Galaxy S26: The standard model of the series. Perhaps it could be released with the “Pro” moniker this year.
- Galaxy S26 Plus: Its existence remains a question mark. Samsung may skip this model.
- Galaxy S26 Edge: A new model expected to join the series, featuring a very slim and stylish design. Galaxy S26 Ultra: As always, the most powerful and well-equipped member of the series.
Last year, the Edge model was released later than the others. However, this year, if it’s produced, it seems more likely that all models will be unveiled and released simultaneously.
Beyond the release date, there are other significant leaks regarding the Galaxy S26 series. To summarize:
- Design: A design change is expected across the series.
- Processor: The tradition of using Snapdragon processors in some markets and Exynos processors in others may return.
- Charging Speed: There are rumors that faster charging technology will be available, especially in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but there’s still conflicting information on this matter.
- Display: It’s almost certain that the S26 Ultra will have the best display on the market.
Of course, the launch is still months away, and it’s important to remember that this information is subject to change. However, the picture is becoming clearer, and it’s already clear that the Galaxy S26 series will once again be the phones that will dominate the year. Stay tuned for new leaks and developments!