SEOUL, January 26, 2026, 21:05 (KST)
- Leaker Ice Universe reports a Galaxy Unpacked event set for Feb. 25, with Samsung’s Galaxy S26 hitting South Korean stores on March 11.
- According to the leak, Samsung’s flagship launch is set later than usual, while competitors gear up to release phones in the spring.
- Other reports have also mentioned rumored S26 upgrades, with tweaks designed specifically to attract iPhone users.
Samsung Electronics is reportedly set to reveal its next flagship phones on February 25, with a South Korean market launch following on March 11. This timeline comes from leaker Ice Universe, who specifically noted the “market launch date” as March 11. 1
Why it matters now: Samsung typically kicks off the year with a Galaxy S launch in the first quarter, aiming to establish momentum for its mobile division well before Apple drops its latest iPhones.
This time around, the dates fall within a crowded window, with Android manufacturers competing fiercely through mid-year and spring launches. Plus, discounts are playing a bigger role in moving $1,000 phones.
Forbes columnist Ewan Spence highlighted the importance of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s release timing, noting Samsung might feel the heat from rival launches. He specifically mentioned Google’s Pixel 10a and Apple’s iPhone 17e as key competitors in that same period. 2
TheStreet reports that pricing buzz points to Samsung aiming to keep U.S. prices roughly the same as last year’s lineup. Leaks suggest the base S26 will start at $799, the S26+ at $999, and the S26 Ultra at $1,299. That said, execs have warned that rising costs for components like memory might force price tweaks in some markets. 3
The leaked schedule lists an Unpacked event on Feb. 25, with an initial purchase window from Feb. 26 to March 4, followed by a second window from March 5-10. Sales officially start in South Korea on March 11. Different reports have used varying labels for these periods, and one tech outlet noted the difference wasn’t clarified.
Samsung hasn’t revealed any specifics about its upcoming Unpacked event yet. Historically, the company has used these occasions to unveil the Galaxy S series, followed by opening pre-orders ahead of wider retail release.
Mashable’s latest rumor roundup highlights potential features of the S26 that could tempt iPhone users to switch. They mention an AI-powered “Privacy Display,” the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and tighter integration with Google’s Gemini. There’s also chatter about enhanced scam-detection tools and Qi2 wireless charging. (Qi2 is the new wireless charging standard that enables magnetic alignment, much like Apple’s MagSafe.) 4
The competitive landscape is chaotic. Apple still dominates profits in the premium segment, but Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Honor have stepped up their game in Europe and parts of Asia, frequently relying on aggressive hardware specs and lower prices to gain ground.
A delayed Galaxy S launch could shrink Samsung’s window to sell devices at full price before discounts kick in, a trend that’s grown sharper as customers keep their phones for longer periods.
Still, leaked calendars come with caveats. Launch dates often shift, regional rollouts might delay, and Samsung’s final pricing could fluctuate depending on component costs, carrier deals, and currency changes—especially if memory prices hold steady and tighten margins.
Leaks have revived one key date: Feb. 25, the day several outlets expect Samsung’s next Unpacked event. Then there’s March 11, the rumored retail launch date for the phones, according to those following Samsung’s moves.
