Samsung is reportedly preparing to delay the launch of its next flagship lineup, the Galaxy S26 series, to late February 2026. The company is expected to hold its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, shifting from its usual late-January launch schedule. The event will likely take place in San Francisco, which marks a return to a major global tech hub for one of Samsung’s biggest product reveals.
In recent years, Samsung has released its Galaxy S phones earlier in the year to get a head start in the premium smartphone market. But this time, the decision appears to be linked to the company’s growing focus on artificial intelligence development.
A report from South Korea suggests Samsung wants to position San Francisco as the center stage for its next big AI push, calling the city “the center of AI technology.” The move also highlights Samsung’s aim to strengthen its Galaxy AI ecosystem, a feature that debuted with the Galaxy S24 lineup. While Galaxy AI introduced new smart features, many users still believe Samsung trails behind Google’s AI capabilities, especially those powered by Google Gemini.
The Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to include three main models: the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. The Ultra variant is expected to continue offering upgraded camera hardware, improved performance, and integrated S Pen support.
There were earlier expectations of two additional models, a Galaxy S26 Pro and a thin-edged Galaxy S26 Edge. However, recent reports suggest these models have been postponed and might not debut with the main lineup. The slim “Edge” design could still return, but possibly as a later release similar to past mid-cycle refreshes.
For now, Samsung’s focus appears to be on improving software intelligence, user experience, and core hardware efficiency rather than expanding the number of models. With AI shaping the next generation of smartphones, the Galaxy S26 launch timeline shows Samsung’s intention to align itself more closely with the global AI development landscape.
