SEOUL, Jan 22, 2026, 19:58 (KST)
- Leaks from Wednesday suggest Samsung will hold its Galaxy Unpacked event on Feb. 25, with the Galaxy S26 series going on sale March 11
- This shift means Samsung’s flagship launch will land later in the first quarter, moving beyond its usual January reveal window
- Reports suggest pre-orders will open in stages before the product hits retail shelves
Leaks suggest Samsung Electronics will hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event on Feb. 25, with the Galaxy S26 phones going on sale March 11—pushing back the timeline compared to previous years. The Galaxy S25 launched on Jan. 22, 2025, and the Galaxy S24 hit shelves on Jan. 17, 2024, according to Android Authority. 1
The timing is crucial—Samsung’s early-year launch often sets the tone for premium Android devices, with carriers lining up promotions accordingly. If the release slips into March, it can shift when competitors roll out their deals and how long previous models stick around at full price.
The move also extends the buying window for shoppers who usually upgrade early in the year, as Samsung’s marketing team aims to sustain buzz around the new devices for a longer stretch. Forbes cited a Samsung leaker, reporting that the Galaxy S26 series might open for pre-orders between Feb. 26 and March 4. 2
Wccftech, referencing tipster Ice Universe, outlined a South Korea timeline: Unpacked on Feb. 25, pre-orders running Feb. 26 to March 4, followed by a “pre-sale” from March 5 to 10, and a market launch set for March 11. The site also mentioned reports suggesting no price hike in the U.S., with base models starting around $799.99, the Plus at $999.99, and the Ultra at $1,299.99. 3
Engadget anticipates the February Unpacked event will focus on the Galaxy S26 lineup, along with potential updates for Galaxy Buds and other Samsung gear. 4
Leaks are zeroing in on “Qi2,” the latest wireless-charging standard featuring magnets that let chargers and accessories click neatly into place. According to The Verge, Samsung seems to be gearing up a magnetic wireless battery pack for the Galaxy S26, hinting that the new phones will support Qi2.
Color talk is heating up too. Tom’s Guide reported that leaker Ice Universe posted images pointing to four Galaxy S26 Ultra color options — black, white, blue, and a purple “hero” shade. This marks a shift from earlier rumors about a bright orange-style variant. 5
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S Ultra targets premium buyers, directly challenging Apple’s iPhone Pro lineup. Google’s Pixel, though smaller, also competes in the same price range. Samsung’s later release means rivals get extra time to push discounts on current models and position their upcoming “on-device” AI features as must-haves.
This info comes from leaks and certification hints, not an official Samsung statement. Dates might shift, and Samsung often rolls out products at different times depending on the region. Pricing remains uncertain too; fluctuations in component costs and currency could force Samsung to tweak prices or change pre-order offers, even if the main list prices stay the same.
If Samsung sticks to the leaked timeline, pre-orders and early sales would kick off right before Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the industry’s largest mobile event. The GSMA dates it for March 2-5. 6
