In what could be a major shake-up for Samsung’s flagship phones, a recent rumor suggests that the tech giant could cancel the release of the base model Galaxy S26 planned 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 following year could bring significant changes.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
According to famous leaker Ice Universe, Samsung could 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 rethought its flagship offerings. Last month, the company’s Galaxy Tab S10 series skipped the vanilla version, choosing to release only the Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra.
It now appears that this strategy could extend to its phone lineup as well, signaling a broader shift in Samsung’s approach to competing with other brands’ top phones.
The decision to potentially cancel the base model of the Galaxy S26 appears to be driven by changing market dynamics and increasing competition, particularly from Chinese phone makers.
Brands like Oppo are gearing up to launch smaller flagship phones with high-level specs, like the upcoming Oppo Find X8.
These compact powerhouses can create a significant gap between what Samsung’s standard Galaxy S26 can offer compared to these smaller, but high-performance alternatives.
In contrast, Samsung’s larger, more feature-rich models, like the Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra, still have their place as premium premium devices that cater to users looking for the best of the best .
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Of course, these are still just rumors. Ice Universe, which was the first to report the possible cancellation of the Galaxy S26, has a strong track record but is also known for its sometimes exaggerated predictions.
However, if it comes to fruition, it will represent 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, offering a premium experience that could justify their higher prices.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Whether this move will pay off in the long term remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the global phone landscape is changing and Samsung will need to adapt to keep up with the competition.
For now, though, all eyes are on the Galaxy S25 series, which could include Samsung’s latest “standard” Galaxy S model. On top of that, it looks like an even better Galaxy Z Fold 6 is coming, but you can’t have it.
So, everything indicates that Samsung Galaxy phones will experience big changes in 2026.
