Galaxy S26 Series: Is the S26 Plus on Its Way Out?
Samsung appears to be on the cusp of a significant restructuring of its flagship Galaxy S series, with leaks suggesting the “S26 Plus” variant could be retired in 2026. This move, if confirmed, would mark the first time in nearly a decade that the lineup deviates from the traditional trio of base, Plus, and Ultra models.
S26 Edge Model to Replace S26 Plus Variant
According to recent reports, including one from Korean outlet The Elec, the upcoming Galaxy S26 series is expected to feature the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. This indicates that the “Edge” model, which made its debut as part of the Galaxy S25 lineup earlier this year, is set to become a permanent fixture, seemingly replacing the long-standing S26 Plus variant.
The Elec further reports that Samsung is already developing displays for these new configurations: a 6.27-inch screen for the standard S26, a 6.66-inch display for the S26 Edge, and a 6.89-inch panel for the top-tier S26 Ultra. This shift would bring an end to a legacy that began with the Galaxy S8 Plus in 2017, following a similar role played by the S7 Edge before the adoption of the “Plus” moniker. The reintroduction and apparent permanence of the “Edge” branding suggest it will now occupy the mid-tier flagship position.
Current S25 Lineup and Future Implications
Currently, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series offers four distinct models: the S25, S25 Plus, S25 Edge, and S25 Ultra. All are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, but they vary in screen size, with the S25 at 6.2 inches, both the Plus and Edge models at 6.7 inches, and the Ultra at 6.9 inches. Should the S26 Plus variant indeed be discontinued for the S26 series, the Edge model is widely anticipated to step in as the primary mid-sized flagship offering.
Broader Samsung Portfolio and Outlook
Beyond its S series, Samsung has also recently refreshed its foldable smartphone portfolio with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and a more budget-friendly Flip 7 FE. While Samsung has yet to officially comment on the Galaxy S26 series, the increasing consistency of these leaks lends considerable weight to the speculation. The current trajectory suggests Samsung is strategically reshaping its flagship lineup to better differentiate features and screen sizes across its premium smartphone offerings.
The reception of this potential change by long-time Galaxy enthusiasts remains to be seen. Samsung typically unveils its S-series flagships early in the year, meaning a clearer picture of the 2026 lineup is expected by early next year. For now, this rumoured shift signals a potentially significant evolution in branding and product positioning for one of Samsung’s most iconic smartphone lines.
