Samsung is laying the groundwork for the end of the Galaxy S26.
Why has Samsung chosen to cancel the S26, even though its launch is still far off?
In February 2025, Samsung is set to hold its usual Galaxy Unpacked event, where it will focus on the new Galaxy S25 series, aimed at becoming the company’s high-end range. Although the immediate future looks promising, there are rumors suggesting that the brand may be considering a drastic decision regarding the Galaxy S26 model.
According to the well-known leaker Ice Universe, there is a possibility that Samsung might decide not to launch the standard model of the Galaxy S26 in 2026, offering only the Galaxy S26 Plus and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This would mean that the base Galaxy S26 would never see the light of day, becoming part of a lineup that never materialized. Ice Universe argues that this decision is due to the increasing competition from Chinese brands, which are developing compact and powerful models—an area where Samsung and Apple are losing ground.
The leaker suggests that Samsung could face significant challenges in the coming years and that the lack of a "moat" equivalent to what Apple has, where its iOS ecosystem acts as a protective barrier, could leave Samsung vulnerable. It appears that the brand is evaluating the possibility of adjusting its S26 series in light of the lack of competitiveness.
Despite the fact that the Galaxy S24 series was launched earlier this year, rumors about the upcoming Galaxy S25 indicate that there may be few truly significant changes. It is expected that the new model will maintain a 50-megapixel main camera, similar to that found in the Galaxy S24. Additionally, leaked images suggest that the Galaxy S25+ may lack major innovations in terms of design and specifications, presenting itself as almost identical to its predecessor.
Meanwhile, attention is focused on what Samsung might have in store for its next series, as the Galaxy S25 family is expected to bring new features and improvements, despite the concerns arising about the future of the S26 series.