Samsung Unpacked 2026: 5 biggest rumors I found on Galaxy S26 Ultra, Buds 4 Pro, more

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The subsequent Samsung Unpacked occasion ought to introduce new cell devices to the market.
• Samsung is ready to announce new Galaxy S26 fashions, together with the Extremely.
• Count on speak 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 Ultra has been confirmed to be introduced this February, simply earlier than Cellular World Congress (MWC). Forward of the launch occasion in February 25, stories level to the discharge of a number of main merchandise, together with some fan favorites, and probably surprises.

Additionally: Samsung confirms Galaxy S26 Ultra deal for $900 off ahead of February Unpacked

From the anticipated new Galaxy S-series phones to a few surprising treats, this is what you may count on from the Samsung Unpacked occasion in February.

When is the Samsung Unpacked 2026 occasion?

Samsung has confirmed that the following Unpacked occasion will probably be held on February 25 in San Francisco, with viewers in a position to tune in at 10 a.m. PT and 1 p.m. ET.

Additionally: 5 preinstalled Samsung apps you should remove ASAP – they’re basically bloatware

If you wish to watch the Unpacked 2026 occasion on-line, you may go to the Samsung web site or YouTube to tune in to the reside stream. You will seemingly discover a “notify me” button nearer to the launch, so you may obtain a heads-up earlier than the reside stream begins. Listed here are 5 issues we count on from the following 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 stories that Samsung would exchange its base mannequin with a “Galaxy S26 Professional” in its early-2026 flagship lineup. Nevertheless, these rumors have since been debunked, and we now know that the S26 Professional is simply the bottom mannequin Galaxy S26.

Additionally: If these Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors are true, I might finally put my Google Pixel loyalty to rest

As traditional, we may get a Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus beneath the Extremely variant. The duo may get a digital camera improve within the ultrawide-angle sensor, with an anticipated improve from 12MP to 50MP, based on a report from Android Headlines. 

The lower-end mannequin might need a barely bigger 6.3-inch display screen and a 4,300mAh battery (300mAh greater than the Galaxy S25’s 4,000mAh cell). This system might be paired with 12GB of RAM and as much as 512GB of storage.

2. Will an Edge mannequin exchange the Plus?

There have been rumors that Samsung may retire the “Plus” moniker and shift to a brand new slim cellphone, the Galaxy S26 Edge. In response to dependable tipster Ice Universe, the super-slim Samsung cellphone may 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.

Additionally: These Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors suggest big changes that we didn’t see coming

The Galaxy S26 Edge would possibly characteristic the identical 6.7-inch display screen 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 far more ‘Extremely’ can Samsung get?

Samsung’s Extremely cellphone wants a significant 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 every day driver final 12 months, regardless of its comparatively light-weight design (218 grams), due to its sharp sides.

In response to leaked renders, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Extremely may characteristic curvier corners than its predecessor and a raised vertical digital camera bump on the again. The system is alleged to be 0.3mm slimmer, at 7.9mm thick, and to characteristic a brand new M14 OLED show. 

The corporate just lately launched teaser movies of a brand new privateness characteristic, which may shield your on-screen data from nosy strangers. I am speculating this tech would be the largest speaking level after launch.

Additionally: Samsung’s confirmed Galaxy S26 Ultra display upgrade fixes my long-standing annoyance

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely may sport a bigger 1/1.1-inch 200MP Sony sensor with an f/1.4 aperture for the principle digital camera. The system is alleged to let in 47% extra mild, for higher pictures in low-light conditions. I hope the cellphone will get a telephoto digital camera improve too, however we’ll have to attend and watch.

All three Samsung Galaxy S26 telephones are tipped to be powered by completely different processors in numerous areas. Within the US and China, you would possibly get Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered gadgets, whereas the remainder of the world may see Exynos 2600 variants. 

Traditionally, Samsung’s in-house Exynos chipsets have been infamous for poor warmth administration, however the brand new processor may change that concern. In response to Korea Economic Daily, the Exynos 2600 may embody an NPU that is purported to be 30% quicker 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 12 months, and it’s anticipated to announce One UI 8.5 on the upcoming launch. For context, 8.5 has been available in beta since December, so we all know what to anticipate.

Additionally: I tried Samsung’s $2,900 tri-foldable phone ahead of its US debut – it won me over in minutes

The secure model of One UI 8.5 may deliver an expanded darkish theme, upgraded House Up assist, lockscreen widget assist, and extra AI options, together with Samsung’s tackle Apple’s Notification Summary characteristic. Within the beta model, One UI 8.5 additionally permits you to resize folders and improves inter-device connectivity.

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional

In response to a September report from SamMobile and an X post, Samsung is creating 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 instructed the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Professional might be a redesign. They seem to have a flat stem and a brand new wire grille design component on the aspect. We do not find out about new options and audio enhancements but, however we may get new flagship earbuds alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup subsequent week.

Additionally: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: I tried both models, and this pair wins

Samsung may additionally showcase its good AI glasses on the Galaxy Unpacked occasion. Whereas possibilities of a launch are decrease, we may 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.