Samsung might not introduce the Galaxy S26 at all. A different model might come instead

The situation surrounding the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 flagship family is becoming even more complicated than before. Several sources have already agreed that the South Korean giant will not release the Galaxy S26+ model next year at all, replacing it with the thin Galaxy S26 Edge (even though the Galaxy S25 Edge is reportedly facing absolutely dismal demand), and now we are learning surprising findings related to the cheapest model in the series. The Galaxy S26 might not be released at all; instead, Samsung might introduce a completely different, or at least differently named, smartphone.

First mentions of a mysterious model

We did not make such a bold claim based on a random thread on social network X. The information came from the trustworthy server Android Authority, specifically its dataminer AssembleDebug, who has historically high accuracy in revealing information about new developments in mobile hardware and software. He states that the base model might be completely replaced by the hitherto unnamed Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro.

The dataminer refers to threads found in the One UI 8 overlay firmware, which reportedly clearly speak of the Galaxy S26 Pro (code name M1), Galaxy S26 Edge (M2), and Galaxy S26 Ultra (M3) models. If the base model were to arrive on the market, it would make sense for Samsung to refer to it with designations like M0 or M4 – however, there are no traces of such mentions in the code.

What could this mean in practice?

Details are currently too scarce for us to accurately estimate how Samsung’s strategy will change – if something like the Galaxy S26 Pro arrives at all. If AssembleDebug provided correct information, theoretically, the South Korean company might be preparing for price increases, which would ideally be associated with a more significant improvement in the parameters of the cheapest phone in the series. Giving the “Pro” moniker to a phone that would only get a newer chipset and a few minor upgrades would indeed not make sense (and could confuse ordinary consumers).

It is, of course, important to note that Samsung’s plans can change in any way and that the information found in the internal One UI 8 build certainly does not have to be 100% accurate. However, perhaps we are currently facing a major revelation of the planned strategy of one of the most significant mobile phone manufacturers.

Do you think Samsung will really release the Galaxy S26 Pro?

Source: Android Authority