On Wednesday, February 25, Samsung will take the stage in San Francisco for the first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026.
The invitation promises “a new phase in the AI era,” signaling that artificial intelligence will play a central role. While that may sound like standard marketing language, all signs suggest that software and on-device AI will be just as important as hardware upgrades. Here is what consumers can realistically expect based on recent leaks and industry reports.
Galaxy S26 Series: familiar design, major internal upgrades
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26, Samsung Galaxy S26+, and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are expected to retain a largely familiar design language. Flat displays, flat frames, rounded corners, and vertically aligned rear cameras housed in a pill-shaped island are likely to remain. In other words, do not expect a radical visual overhaul.
The real evolution appears to be happening under the hood.
All models are rumored to feature Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor, widely expected to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Some markets may again receive Samsung’s in-house Exynos variant. Either way, users can anticipate:
- Faster overall performance
- Improved energy efficiency
- Significantly enhanced on-device AI processing
That last point is crucial. In 2026, smartphones are expected to handle more AI tasks locally rather than relying on cloud processing, resulting in faster responses and improved privacy.
Galaxy S26: slightly bigger, slightly stronger
The standard Galaxy S26 is rumored to grow marginally to a 6.3-inch display (up from 6.2 inches). It is expected to come with 12 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage. Battery capacity may increase slightly to around 4,300 mAh.
Camera hardware is likely to remain largely unchanged. Improvements are expected to come primarily through computational photography and AI-powered image processing rather than new sensors.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Ultra model could be the most intriguing of the lineup. Rumors suggest a revised metal finish around the camera module and a potential shift from titanium back to aluminum. There may also be updates to the S Pen technology.
Wireless charging is another area to watch. Until now, Samsung has supported Qi2 charging speeds but not the integrated magnets that enable stable magnetic accessories. The Galaxy S26 Ultra may offer improved Qi2 integration, though still without built-in magnets. This would likely mean that users will continue to rely on compatible cases for magnetic functionality.
Galaxy S26 Edge is even thinner
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge is expected to continue as a standalone model rather than replacing the Plus version. Reports indicate it could measure as little as 5.5 mm in thickness, making it one of the slimmest smartphones on the market.
Its camera module may adopt a more rectangular design inspired by competitors, but the Edge will likely remain a niche product aimed at users who prioritize ultra-thin design over maximum battery capacity.
Galaxy Buds 4
Samsung is also expected to unveil the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
The new earbuds are rumored to feature a more compact charging case and a refined design with softer, more rounded stems. Additional features may include head gesture controls, allowing users to nod to accept calls or shake their head to decline them.
Both models are expected to integrate Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, enabling more precise location tracking. This should make it significantly easier to locate lost earbuds through compatible device networks.
AI Takes Center Stage
Artificial intelligence is set to be the defining theme of this year’s Unpacked event.
Samsung is teasing new AI-driven features that could:
- Transform daytime photos into convincing night shots
- Reconstruct missing parts of an image
- Enhance low-light photography
- Merge multiple photos into a more cohesive final result
Many of these capabilities already exist in cloud-based services. The key question is not whether the features are new, but whether Samsung can deliver them faster, more accurately, and more seamlessly integrated directly into the camera and gallery experience.
An updated version of Bixby is also expected, along with possible integration of AI-powered search technology. This suggests Samsung wants greater control over the AI experience on its own devices rather than relying entirely on external platforms.
