Galaxy S26 sequence may signify a serious shake-up in Samsung’s flagship lineup

Samsung’s subsequent main launch is the Galaxy S26 sequence, with the launch of its newest foldables now behind it. Earlier reviews steered Samsung may drop the “Plus” mannequin solely in 2026 and introduce an “Edge” mannequin as a replacement. If these rumors maintain up, the lineup would come with the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Extremely. However Samsung’s rebranding and technique pivot may go even additional than that.

We’ve uncovered compelling proof inside an inside One UI 8 construct pointing to a a lot larger shake-up within the Galaxy S26 lineup. In response to the codenames and precise machine names we’ve uncovered, there will not be a normal or vanilla “Galaxy S26” mannequin in any respect subsequent yr. As an alternative, Samsung’s upcoming flagship sequence seems to include three fashions: Galaxy S26 Professional, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Extremely. Let’s break it down.

For the Galaxy S24 lineup, Samsung reportedly used the inner codename “Eureka,” with E1, E2, and E3 akin to the usual, Plus, and Extremely fashions, respectively. The Galaxy S25 sequence was given the codename Paradigm, with particular person fashions labeled PA1 (S25), PA2 (S25 Plus), and PA3 (S25 Extremely).

Earlier reviews pointed to inside codenames NP1, NP2, and NP3 for the Galaxy S26 sequence, with “NP” standing for Subsequent Paradigm. Nonetheless, our findings from the One UI 8 firmware contradict these earlier leaks. As an alternative, the inner builds reference three units labeled M1, M2, and M3, which map to the Galaxy S26 Professional, S26 Edge, and S26 Extremely, respectively (see screenshots from the firmware above).

That is the place issues get fascinating. In earlier lineups, the quantity “1” represented the bottom mannequin. However now, it appears “M1” is related to a Professional variant, not a normal model. If a base S26 mannequin had been to exist, it will logically fall below “M0” or maybe “M4,” however there’s no signal of these codenames.

What this might imply for Samsung’s technique

If this rebranding holds, Samsung could also be repositioning its whole lineup to replicate a extra premium-focused method. By shifting the “base” mannequin to a “Professional,” changing the “Plus” with an “Edge” variant, and maintaining the Extremely on the high, Samsung is presumably signaling a value hike. The “Professional” label suggests higher specs for the bottom model or a better value in comparison with the present entry-level Galaxy S25 mannequin.

After all, these insights are based mostly on our findings from the One UI 8 inside construct. Samsung’s last plans may nonetheless change earlier than the Galaxy S26 sequence is formally unveiled. That mentioned, the proof aligns intently with earlier rumors concerning the doable removing of the Plus mannequin, and helps an earlier tip from leaker Yogesh Brar, who additionally hinted at a rebranding effort, although not exactly in keeping with what the One UI 8 construct exhibits. Whereas nothing is confirmed till Samsung makes it official, all indicators level to the Galaxy S26 sequence wanting very totally different subsequent yr.