According to SamMobile, tipster Evan Blass has leaked a teaser image pointing to a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, which is strongly believed to be for the Galaxy S26 series. This date is over a month later than the Galaxy S25’s January 22, 2025, announcement. The report suggests the phones could then go on sale around March 11, 2026 in some markets. Furthermore, the lineup is said to be changing, with the Galaxy S26 Edge reportedly canceled due to weak S25 Edge sales and replaced by a Galaxy S26+ model. So, we’re looking at a potential S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra trio launching significantly later than last year’s cycle.
Why the S26 delay?
Now, a one-month shift in the calendar might not seem like a huge deal. But in the hyper-competitive smartphone world, timing is everything. So what’s going on? It could be a supply chain hiccup, sure. That’s always a possibility. But I think it’s more likely a strategic pause. The S25 series, by most accounts, was a solid but incremental update. If the rumors about the S26 Edge getting axed are true, it signals Samsung is re-evaluating what sells. A later launch gives them more time to finalize a compelling feature set, maybe even wait for a key component, to create a bigger splash against expected 2026 iPhones. They can’t just show up with a slightly better camera and call it a day.
The death of the Edge?
Here’s the thing: the reported demise of the ‘Edge’ name in favor of a ‘+’ model is really interesting. Samsung practically invented the curved-edge display with the Galaxy Note Edge, and it became a signature design element for years. But lately? The curve has been getting more and more subtle. It seems like the novelty wore off, and practical issues like accidental touches and higher repair costs outweighed the cool factor. Rebranding it as a ‘+’ model aligns it more with the industry standard (looking at you, iPhone Pro and Pixel Pro) and might signal a final shift away from the pronounced curved screen as a primary selling point. Basically, they’re admitting the old branding didn’t resonate.
What this means for you
For consumers, a delayed launch is a mixed bag. If you’re holding onto an older phone and waiting for the latest and greatest, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. That’s frustrating. On the flip side, a later announcement could mean Samsung is using the extra time to bake in more meaningful improvements. Maybe we’ll see a more significant chipset leap or a genuinely new AI feature that isn’t just a gimmick. The shift in model naming also suggests they’re listening to sales data, which is good. You want a company that adapts. But let’s be real: in the grand scheme, a few weeks’ delay for a phone you’ll use for years isn’t catastrophic. The bigger question is what they do with that extra time. Will the S26 feel worth the wait, or just feel late? We’ll find out on February 25, 2026, if this leak holds.
