Samsung’s next flagship family is closing in, and the latest leaks suggest a sleeker look and a subtle design pivot for the Ultra model. With the Galaxy S26 series widely expected to debut in late February 2026, fresh tips hint at a thinner profile for the base model, softer corners for the Ultra, and ambitious sales goals to match Samsung’s AI-first push.
Key takeaways
– Galaxy S26 thickness: Leaks point to a 6.9mm chassis versus 7.2mm on the S25, making it roughly 4 percent slimmer.
– Design shift on Ultra: The S26 Ultra is said to adopt noticeably more rounded corners, moving away from the boxier silhouette associated with past Note-style designs.
– Launch timing and location: The next Galaxy Unpacked is rumored for February 25, 2026, in San Francisco—Samsung’s first return to the city for Unpacked since the S23 launch in 2023.
– Lineup expected: Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, with AI as the headline theme.
– Sales target: Reports from South Korea suggest a 35 million unit goal for the S26 lineup, with 24 million planned for the first half of 2026, up from an estimated 22 million S25 units sold in the first half of 2025.
What the slimmer build could mean
A 6.9mm frame would make the standard Galaxy S26 one of the slimmer premium phones on the market. If accurate, this change indicates more refined engineering while keeping a flagship feel in hand. The tweak may also signal minor shifts in internal component layout to balance battery, thermals, and camera hardware without compromising overall comfort.
A softer look for the Ultra
The Ultra model’s rounded corners would mark a notable change in Samsung’s design language. While recent Ultras leaned into a squared-off style, the upcoming iteration is rumored to soften that stance, likely improving ergonomics and pocketability while maintaining its premium identity.
Back to San Francisco with AI front and center
The rumored February 25, 2026 Unpacked event would put Samsung back in San Francisco for the first time in about three years. Expect an AI-focused showcase, with new on-device features and services positioned as a core reason to upgrade across the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.
Stronger sales ambitions
Targeting 35 million units overall and 24 million in the first half of 2026 suggests confidence in the S26 series. If achieved, it would outpace the S25’s first-half performance, pointing to higher demand driven by design refinements and next-wave AI capabilities.
Bottom line
If these leaks hold, the Galaxy S26 series will arrive thinner, friendlier in hand—especially on the Ultra—and primed for a high-profile AI launch in San Francisco. As always, details remain unconfirmed until Samsung takes the stage, but the momentum around design, timing, and sales goals paints a clear picture of what to expect from one of 2026’s most anticipated smartphone lineups.
