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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The subsequent Samsung Unpacked occasion ought to introduce new cell devices to the market.
- Samsung is about to announce new Galaxy S26 fashions, together with the Extremely.
- Anticipate discuss of UI updates, redesigned earbuds, and probably AI glasses.
In contrast to the final two years, Samsung is not internet hosting an Unpacked occasion in January of 2026. As a substitute, the rumored Galaxy S26 Extremely is tipped to be introduced a month later, simply earlier than Cell World Congress (MWC). Forward of the launch occasion, studies level to the discharge of a number of main merchandise, together with some fan favorites, and probably surprises.
From the anticipated new Galaxy S-series telephones to a few sudden treats, this is what you’ll be able to anticipate from the Samsung Unpacked occasion in February.
When is the Samsung Unpacked 2026 occasion?
Samsung has but to announce an official date for its upcoming occasion. Nonetheless, South Korean media organizations have recommended the corporate will host its early Unpacked occasion on Feb. 25, 2026, in San Francisco.
Dependable tipster Evan Blass has corroborated this launch timeline. This schedule would add one other week to the discharge timeline and push the in-store date to March. So, anticipate to get your palms on the brand new Galaxy S26 collection in early March.
If you wish to watch the Unpacked 2026 occasion on-line, you’ll be able to go to the Samsung web site or YouTube to tune in to the reside stream. You will possible discover a “notify me” button nearer to the launch, so you’ll be able to obtain a heads-up earlier than the reside stream begins. Listed here are 5 issues we anticipate from the subsequent Samsung Unpacked occasion.
What to anticipate from Samsung Unpacked 2026
1. Do not sleep on the Samsung Galaxy S26
To no shock, the rumor mill has been spinning and spinning forward of the Galaxy S26 launch. There have been studies that Samsung would substitute its base mannequin with a “Galaxy S26 Professional” in its early-2026 flagship lineup. Nonetheless, these rumors have since been debunked, and we now know that the S26 Professional is simply the bottom mannequin Galaxy S26.
As standard, we might get a Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus beneath the Extremely variant. The duo might get a digicam improve within the ultrawide-angle sensor, with an anticipated improve from 12MP to 50MP, in accordance with a report from Android Headlines.
The lower-end mannequin may need a barely bigger 6.3-inch display and a 4,300mAh battery (300mAh greater than the Galaxy S25’s 4,000mAh cell). This system could possibly be paired with 12GB of RAM and as much as 512GB of storage.
2. Will an Edge mannequin substitute the Plus?
There have been rumors that Samsung might retire the “Plus” moniker and shift to a brand new slim telephone, the Galaxy S26 Edge. In line with dependable tipster Ice Universe, the super-slim Samsung telephone might have a 4,200mAh battery and measure simply 5.5mm thick, which is 0.3mm thinner than the S25 Edge and 0.1mm skinnier than the iPhone Air.
The Galaxy S26 Edge would possibly function the identical 6.7-inch display as earlier than. Whereas there have been contradicting rumors about Samsung persevering with with the Edge in future lineups, I cherished utilizing the Galaxy S25 Edge — particularly as a result of it had fewer {hardware} limitations than Apple’s iPhone Air.
3. How rather more ‘Extremely’ can Samsung get?
Samsung’s Extremely telephone wants a serious ergonomic overhaul, and leaked renders of the Galaxy S26 Extremely trace at slight design adjustments. I could not use the Galaxy S25 Extremely as my day by day driver final yr, regardless of its comparatively light-weight design (218 grams), due to its sharp sides.
In line with leaked renders, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Extremely might function curvier corners than its predecessor and a raised vertical digicam bump on the again. The system is claimed to be 0.3mm slimmer, at 7.9mm thick, and to function a brand new M14 OLED show.
The corporate lately launched teaser movies of a brand new privateness function, which might defend your on-screen info from nosy strangers. I am speculating this tech would be the greatest speaking level after launch.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely might sport a bigger 1/1.1-inch 200MP Sony sensor with an f/1.4 aperture for the primary digicam. The system is claimed to let in 47% extra gentle, for higher photos in low-light conditions. I hope the telephone will get a telephoto digicam improve too, however we’ll have to attend and watch.
All three Samsung Galaxy S26 telephones are tipped to be powered by totally different processors in several areas. Within the US and China, you would possibly get Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered gadgets, whereas the remainder of the world might see Exynos 2600 variants.
Traditionally, Samsung’s in-house Exynos chipsets have been infamous for poor warmth administration, however the brand new processor might change that situation. In line with Korea Financial Every day, the Exynos 2600 might embrace an NPU that is purported to be 30% sooner than Qualcomm’s flagship chipset.
4. New One UI 8.5 options
Samsung launched its One UI 8 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 final yr, and it’s anticipated to announce One UI 8.5 on the upcoming launch. For context, 8.5 has been accessible in beta since December, so we all know what to anticipate.
The secure model of One UI 8.5 might convey an expanded darkish theme, upgraded Dwelling Up assist, lockscreen widget assist, and extra AI options, together with Samsung’s tackle Apple’s Notification Abstract function. Within the beta model, One UI 8.5 additionally means that you can resize folders and improves inter-device connectivity.
5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional
In line with a September report from SamMobile and an X submit, Samsung is growing a pair of Galaxy Buds 4 gadgets. The codename in strings was noticed in a One UI 8.5 leak.
Leaked renders from Android Authority recommended the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Professional could possibly be a redesign. They seem to have a flat stem and a brand new wire grille design component on the aspect. We do not learn about new options and audio enhancements but, however we might get new flagship earbuds alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup in February.
Samsung might additionally showcase its good AI glasses on the Galaxy Unpacked occasion. Whereas possibilities of a launch are decrease, we might get a teaser of Samsung’s rival to Meta Ray-Bans on the occasion. The corporate is partnering with Mild Monster and Warby Parker to create its new wearable system.
