Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event is rumored to take place on February 25, marking the expected debut of the Galaxy S26 series. Leaker Evan Blass has called this date “100% correct.” Buzz is growing about a privacy-centric display on the S26 Ultra, some camera improvements, and potential U.S. updates for the Galaxy Z TriFold. (Tom’s Guide)
Samsung’s early-year Unpacked event basically signals the unofficial start of the Android season. If the launch slides into late February, it shifts the upgrade timeline—and forces Samsung to rethink what it pushes to consumers.
This also sheds light on why the leak chatter has ramped up: with no official word from the company, there’s a void to fill. As a result, the narrative is unfolding through renders, case listings, and whispers about software.
A Thinborne case listing is starting to gain traction as a credible leak, matching earlier Galaxy S26 Ultra renders. The images show rounder edges and a revamped rear design: three lenses clustered within a pill-shaped camera bump on the left side, while two separate sensors sit on the right. The same source also mentions Qi2 magnetic wireless charging for the entire S26 lineup—Qi2 being the updated wireless protocol that enables magnetic alignment so chargers and accessories snap perfectly into place. There’s even a rumored orange Ultra color in the mix. (Android Central)
Samsung’s move to pack magnets throughout its entire lineup could have a bigger impact than it seems. It’s not just about the phones—it shifts what folks pick up next: cases, mounts, wallets, stands. Suddenly, the “accessory ecosystem” becomes a central selling point, not just an add-on afterthought.
Samsung isn’t ready to give up on Bixby just yet. According to T3, the company is working on a major AI upgrade for Bixby in partnership with Perplexity AI. This revamp aims to rival Google’s Gemini, possibly rolling out with One UI 8.5 on the upcoming Galaxy S26 models. Features rumored include more natural, conversational responses, support for document uploads in Q&A, and a “Bixby Live” mode that enables real-time voice chat alongside camera and screen sharing. There’s also talk of deeper integrations with third-party apps like Uber and Skyscanner. (T3)
This isn’t simply about launching another assistant—it’s about building a platform. If Samsung manages to make Bixby truly practical, it could claim the default AI spot across phones, TVs, and appliances, rather than ceding that role to Google the moment you speak a question aloud.
That said, leaks are tricky territory, and caution is warranted. Case manufacturers usually rely on early CAD designs, which can shift before release. Plus, a camera cutout lining up perfectly doesn’t necessarily mean the final hardware is set. When it comes to Bixby, the real wildcard is how users will respond—if it comes off as just another Gemini copy, many will likely dismiss it out of habit once more.
At Unpacked, Samsung will clearly mark the boundary between hardware improvements and software bonuses. Should the Ultra receive “exclusive” Galaxy AI features, it signals a significant change—making the purchase decision less about size or camera and more about paying extra to gain additional capabilities.
Pricing might become a sticking point, particularly if Samsung uses “AI” and upgraded charging gear to justify a price hike. Should the Galaxy Z TriFold reveal more concrete U.S. info, Samsung could shift the folding-phone spotlight sooner than expected.
February 25 is the date to watch—official confirmation aside. The leaks point to a clear focus: magnets, AI, and a Samsung-made assistant ready to step out of the shadows.
