The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to debut early next year, featuring enhancements compared to the Galaxy S25 lineup. Earlier rumors indicated that the new series would comprise the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra models, with the possibility of omitting the Plus variant. However, a recent report based on an internal One UI 8 build suggests that Samsung may be considering an even more significant revision by removing the standard Galaxy S26 model from the series altogether.
Samsung May Eliminate Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ Next Year
According to a report from Android Authority, an internal build of One UI 8 has indicated that Samsung might be set to revamp its flagship Galaxy S series by 2026. Rather than following the traditional lineup of standard, Plus, and Ultra models, the company is expected to introduce the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra models.
Recent leaks have identified the Galaxy S26 series models with the codenames NP1, NP2, and NP3, with ‘NP’ denoting “Next Paradigm”. However, insights from the One UI 8 firmware may challenge that naming convention. The latest internal build has reported codenames M1, M2, and M3, which are believed to align with the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, respectively.
If the rebranding theory proves accurate, Samsung could be aiming to elevate the status of its flagship series towards a more premium target. Introducing a ‘Pro’ variant in place of the standard model and converting the ‘Plus’ variant to the Edge model suggests changes not only in features but also in pricing strategy. The Pro model is expected to come equipped with enhanced internals and carry a higher price point, marking a notable upgrade from the current entry-level Galaxy S25.
Earlier reports hinted that Samsung planned to phase out the Plus model by 2026, substituting it with the Edge variant. The final decision regarding this shift was said to depend on the sales performance of the Galaxy S25 Edge.
For reference, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge in May of this year, adding yet another option to its Galaxy S25 series. This device is strategically positioned between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S25+ models, featuring a sleek 5.8mm profile and powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip.
