Following the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, Samsung is gearing up for the release of its Galaxy S26 series, anticipated in early 2026. Traditionally, Samsung introduces at least three new candybar Galaxy S smartphones, but next year might see a shift as the Plus model could be omitted from the Galaxy S26 lineup.
Reports from South Korea suggest the Galaxy S26 series will feature three models: the standard Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S26 Edge, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The base S26 is expected to have a 6.27-inch screen, the S26 Edge a 6.66-inch display, and the S26 Ultra a 6.89-inch screen.
The S26 Edge is positioned as the ultra-thin, large-screen variant in the Galaxy S range, continuing the trend set by the Galaxy S25 Edge. With similar pricing, the S26 Edge appears to replace the Galaxy S26+. For those seeking the largest screen and additional features like the S Pen, the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains the top choice.
The decision to eliminate the Plus model seems to be driven by the sales performance of the Galaxy S25 series. The Galaxy S25 Ultra was the most popular, selling 5.08 million units by March 2025, followed by the base Galaxy S25 with 2.41 million units, and the Galaxy S25+ with 1.67 million units.
It will be intriguing to see if the Galaxy S26 Edge garners more interest than the Galaxy S25+, especially since the current S25 Edge is available only in select countries, excluding Malaysia. The existing Galaxy S25 Edge is notably slim at 5.8mm but houses a 3,900mAh battery, considered small for today’s flagship Android phones.
Samsung isn’t the only company adjusting its flagship lineup. Apple is reportedly introducing the iPhone 17 Air in September, succeeding the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone Plus model has been part of Apple’s lineup for three years since the iPhone 14 Plus, following the discontinuation of the iPhone “mini” after two generations.
Similar to the Galaxy S25 Edge, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have fewer cameras and a smaller battery. Speculation suggests Apple will equip it with a single 48MP rear camera and a 6.6-inch OLED front display.
