In what could be a major shakeup for Samsung’s flagship phones, a recent rumor suggests that the tech giant could cancel the release of the base model Galaxy S26, scheduled for 2026.
While the Galaxy S25 series, including the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, is likely still on track for its usual January 2025 launch, the next year could bring significant changes.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
According to the renowned company Ice Universe, Samsung may stop offering the standard Galaxy S model after the S25 series, leaving only the Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra in 2026.
If true, this wouldn’t be the first time Samsung has reconsidered its flagship offering. Last month, the company’s Galaxy Tab S10 series skipped the vanilla version, opting to release just the Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra.
Now it looks like this strategy could extend to its phone range as well, signaling a broader shift in Samsung’s approach to competing with the best phones from other brands.
The decision to possibly cancel the base model Galaxy S26 appears to have been driven by changing market dynamics and increasing competition, especially from Chinese phone makers.
Brands like Oppo are gearing up to release smaller flagship phones with top specs, like the upcoming Oppo Find X8.
These compact powerhouses could create a significant gap between what Samsung’s standard Galaxy S26 has to offer compared to these smaller, but highly capable alternatives.
In contrast, Samsung’s larger and more feature-rich models, like the Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra, still have a place as premium, high-end devices aimed at users looking for the best of the best.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Of course, these are just rumors. Ice Universe, which first reported the possible cancellation of the Galaxy S26, has a solid track record, but is also known for its sometimes exaggerated predictions.
However, if successful, it would mark a significant shift in Samsung’s approach to the flagship phone market.
The Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra would be positioned to compete with the best phones available and offer a premium experience that could justify their higher price tags.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Whether this move will pay off in the long run remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the global phone landscape is changing and Samsung will have to adapt to keep up with the competition.
For now, however, all eyes are on the Galaxy S25 series, which could include Samsung’s last ‘standard’ Galaxy S model. Plus, it looks like an even better Galaxy Z Fold 6 is coming, but you can’t have that.
Everything indicates that the Samsung Galaxy phones will undergo major changes in 2026.