Samsung is expected to introduce major AI upgrades with the Galaxy S26, and its launch will come later than the Galaxy S25, which debuted in January 2025.
New leaks suggest Samsung will release the Galaxy S26 series in March instead of January.
Galaxy S26 to Launch Later Than S25, Bringing Major AI Upgrades in March
Trusted leaker Ice Universe reported on X that Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S26 at a Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026.
The event is expected to take place in San Francisco, continuing Samsung’s recent Bay Area launch trend.
The phones are expected to go on sale in “early March,” though no exact retail date has been confirmed.
This is the first leak to provide a specific date and location for the Galaxy S26 launch.
Samsung has held its last three Galaxy S launches in the Bay Area, rotating between San Francisco and San Jose.
As of January 5, 2026, Samsung is reportedly still finalizing Galaxy S26 pricing.
Earlier leaks suggested a price freeze, but newer reports challenge that claim.
As per reports, Samsung is considering a small price increase instead of a fourth straight year of unchanged prices.
The possible increase ranges from 44,000 won ($31) to 88,000 won ($62) per model.
Galaxy S26 U.S. Prices Could Rise as Samsung Considers Dropping Double Storage Deal
In the U.S., that could raise prices to about $859 for the base model, $1,059 for the Plus, and $1,359 for the Ultra.
Samsung may also remove its usual double storage pre-order promotion.
That deal typically includes a free storage upgrade, plus perks like a $50 store credit and higher trade-in values.
Dropping the storage upgrade aligns with rising memory costs for manufacturers.
Higher prices paired with fewer pre-order perks could influence Android pricing trends in 2026.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to arrive later than the Galaxy S25 series.
Samsung’s last five launches reached stores 14 to 16 days after Unpacked events.
A February 25 reveal points to a likely release around March 13.
While mid-month, March 13 fits Samsung’s usual Friday launch pattern.
Samsung could move the release earlier to March 6 to better match “early March.”
A March 6 launch aligns more closely with Ice Universe’s timeline.
The Bell previously reported Samsung was reassessing pricing due to soaring memory costs.
Samsung reportedly sold the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold at a loss, but doing so with the S26 is seen as too risky.
This financial pressure fueled speculation about a price increase.
A separate report from Maeil Business claims Samsung will keep prices unchanged.
The report states: “According to industry sources on the 1st, Samsung Electronics has decided to set the launch price of all Galaxy S26 series models (based on 256GB) at the same price as its predecessor, the S25 series. This marks the fourth consecutive year of price freezes.”
If true, prices would start at $799 for the S26, $999 for the Plus, and $1,299 for the Ultra.
To offset costs, Samsung may raise prices on some Galaxy A-series models.
This approach would help avoid backlash from increasing flagship prices.
