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Don’t hold your breath for the new Galaxy S26 anytime soon — the launch of Samsung's next flagship smartphone lineup could be further away than anyone expected.
Rumours suggest the follow-up to the Galaxy S25 series launched in January 2025 won't arrive until March next year. Traditionally, the South Korean firm kicks off the new year with a Galaxy Unpacked event, where its newest Android smartphones take centre stage.
The last time Samsung shifted its schedule was in 2023, when the Galaxy S23 series made its debut in February instead of the usual January slot. But it sounds like history could be about to repeat itself.
Whispers of a shake-up to the release schedule come from the team at Tech Maniacs, who claim the new phones will be delayed by two months. This is possibly due to issues with "development and design."
Specifically, the Galaxy S26 model is reportedly behind in development.
The Samsung Unpacked event is Samsung’s annual launch showcase, where the company unveils its latest flagship devices, including Galaxy smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other cutting-edge technology
|SAMSUNG PRESS OFFICE
Samsung has historically released at least three models in the series in the last six years. The current S25 lineup is one the largest, with S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, and S25 FE. The S25 Edge is the newest model of its kind in the series, with an ultra-slim design unlike anything else in the lineup.
However, rumours suggest that the potential reason for the delayed release is that Samsung is halting production on a follow-up in the form of the Galaxy S26 Edge. A report from News Pim claims that the S25 Edge is not meeting the expected sales it was hoping for due to limited customer demand.
As a result, the company may revert to its standard lineup with the new phone lineup, including the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. In earlier rumours, there were rumblings about a possible new S26 Pro taking over the standard S26, but no other recent leaks or speculations have shed any more light on this possibility.
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There has been no word on a potential Galaxy S26 FE, which would be Samsung's more affordable option in the series, although this typically arrives in the summer — a few months after the other handsets.
In terms of the S26 Ultra, there have been leaks of its appearance that have already given clues as to what we can expect from the new mobiles. The Ultra is the lineup's more premium model, giving you more than the standard or the plus versions, such as a longer-lasting battery and more storage.
| ANDROID HEADLINESA newly leaked render by the team at Android Headlines suggests that the S26 Ultra has rounded corners and has undergone a refresh on the rear camera hub. For comparison, the current S25 Ultra, as well as the other S25 models, has three raised cameras in a vertical line down the top corner of the phone.
All Galaxy S25 models boast three raised cameras vertically down the rear end of the phone
| SAMSUNG PRESS OFFICEThe new model shows these same camera lenses displayed flatter and closer together. They also appear to be secured with what seems to be a raised bezel.
Aside from the camera, other leaked screenshots suggest that you may be getting a new privacy screen built into the Ultra. In the settings of the phone, you may be able to adjust whether a private display is toggled on or off, depending on your preferences.
The next S26 Ultra will have a privacy feature that keeps people from peeking at your screen. pic.twitter.com/tFcgeFpCqG
— Ach (@achultra) October 2, 2025
This means you'll no longer have to worry about anyone around you sneaking a peek at what's on your screen. Stay tuned to GBN Tech as we continue to reveal the latest rumours, releases, and reactions.
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