Samsung Galaxy Release Dates: When Does the S26 Come Out?

Every winter, the tech world turns its eyes toward Samsung. The Korean tech giant typically kicks off the year with a massive Galaxy Unpacked event to unveil its flagship S-series, followed by a mid-summer event to showcase its cutting-edge foldables.

For 2026, the tradition continues. Samsung announced the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra on February 25, 2026, with an official release date of March 11, 2026.

The S26 lineup will likely be followed by the next-generation foldables—the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8—later in the summer. Read on for a full breakdown of the Galaxy history and what to expect from the newest models.

When will the next Galaxy S26 lineup come out?

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The Galaxy S26 series is slated for a March 11, 2026, release. It was officially announced at a Samsung Unpacked event on February 25, and is followed by a two-week preorder period. This timing aligns with Samsung’s recent strategy of moving its flagship launch slightly further into the first quarter to dominate the spring market.

We expect the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 to be announced around July 9, 2026. While the S26 dates are firming up, the foldable timeline remains somewhat speculative. If Samsung follows its usual patterns, these devices will likely hit store shelves in late July or early August.

Every Galaxy generation: A history of the Samsung Galaxy

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The very first Samsung Galaxy S debuted in June 2010, marking the beginning of what would become the most successful Android lineup in history. While the early years saw release dates scattered across the spring and summer, Samsung has spent the last decade fine-tuning a predictable twice-a-year rhythm.

The Galaxy S series now consistently kicks off the year (January or February), while the Galaxy Z series (foldables) has claimed the mid-summer spotlight. In 2025, the Galaxy S25 series was announced on January 22nd and released on February 7th, and the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 were announced on July 9th and released on July 25th. 

See all the major Galaxy flagship models in order of release with their launch dates in the table below:

Galaxy Model	Year	Announced	Release Date
Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra	2026	Feb 25	March 11
Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8	2026	July 9 (Predicted)	July 2026 (Predicted)
Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7	2025	July 9	July 25
Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra	2025	Jan 22	Feb 7
Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6	2024	July 10	July 24
Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra	2024	Jan 17	Jan 31
Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5	2023	July 26	Aug 11
Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra	2023	Feb 1	Feb 17
Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4	2022	Aug 10	Aug 26
Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra	2022	Feb 9	Feb 25
Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra	2021	Jan 14	Jan 29
Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra	2020	Feb 11	March 6
Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e	2019	Feb 20	March 8
Galaxy S9, S9+	2018	Feb 25	March 16
Galaxy S8, S8+	2017	March 29	April 21
Samsung Galaxy S7	2016	February 21	March 11
Samsung Galaxy S6	2015	March 1	April 10
Samsung Galaxy S5	2014	February 24	April 11
Samsung Galaxy S4	2013	March 14	April 24

Galaxy S26 models and specs

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Samsung is expected to stick with its winning trio for the 2026 flagship launch. While there were early rumors of a "Slim" or "Edge" model replacing the Plus, recent leaks suggest the lineup will remain the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.

The biggest upgrades this year aren't just under the hood; they're in the charging speeds and display tech. For the first time in years, Samsung is rumored to be boosting the Ultra’s wired charging to 60W, finally catching up to some of its faster rivals. We’re also expecting the global debut of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for the Ultra, while the base and Plus models may see a split between Snapdragon and Samsung's own Exynos 2600, depending on your region.

The rumored starting specs for each Galaxy S26 model are:

What features will the Galaxy S26 series include?

For the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung is doubling down on Galaxy AI, with rumors of a new Camera Assistant mode that enables high-res 24MP photos (bridging the gap between 12MP and 50MP) withoutshutter lag.

Other expected highlights include:

• Qi2 Magnetic Charging: Following Apple's lead, Samsung is expected to finally build magnets directly into the backs of the S26 series, opening up a world of "MagSafe-style" accessories.
• Privacy Display: A new "Flex Magic Pixel" tech on the Ultra model that can act like a built-in privacy screen, narrowing viewing angles so neighbors can't snoop on your texts.
• One UI 8: Based on Android 16, this software update will likely introduce deeper AI integration and more cinematic video tools.

When are Samsung Unpacked events? 

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Samsung Unpacked is the company's premier launch event, held at least twice a year to showcase the latest hardware and software innovations. These events are the Super Bowl of the Android world, where we get our first official look at:

• New flagship devices (S-series and Z-series)
• Updated Galaxy AI features
• New wearables (Galaxy Watch and Buds)
• Pricing and official release dates

The first Samsung Unpacked of 2026 was February 25. Where Samsung announced the new S26 series that is currently on preorder with a March 11th release.

Historically, Samsung likes to hold these events in major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Seoul. Because in-person space is limited, the events are always livestreamed on Samsung.com and YouTube, so you can watch the year’s newest devices be revealed in real-time.

When can you preorder the new Galaxy? 

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For the Galaxy S26 series, the preorder period is to run from February 25 through March 10, 2026. The major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—typically kick off preorder sales the very same day Samsung finishes its Unpacked keynote.

This early bird window is the best time to snag a new Galaxy because Samsung and its partners use it to lure customers away from competitors with massive trade-in values and freebies.

For the S26 launch, keep an eye out for these typical preorder perks:

• Enhanced Trade-In Values: Carriers often offer up to $1,000 off with a qualifying trade-in, sometimes even accepting any Galaxy phone in any condition.
• Samsung Store Credits: Buying direct from Samsung usually nets you a $50 to $100 credit to spend on accessories like the Galaxy Watch 9 or Buds.
• Bundle Deals: Look for buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals or heavily discounted tablets and watches when you add a new line of service.

How long do Galaxy preorders last?

A typical Samsung preorder period lasts 14 days. Once that window closes on March 11, the launch day begins, and those extra credits and storage upgrades usually disappear. If you miss the preorder window, your next best bet for a deal will likely be around Father's Day or the Amazon Prime Day sales in July.

Where can you buy the Galaxy S26?

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When the Galaxy S26 series officially hits shelves on March 11, 2026, you’ll have no shortage of places to swipe your card. However, where you buy depends on whether you want the lowest monthly price or the most freedom.

Your main options include:

• Cell phone carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Spectrum Mobile).
• Direct from Samsung (online or at Samsung Experience stores).
• Major retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart).

Why buy from a carrier?

Most WhistleOut readers find the best value through a carrier. While buying unlocked from Amazon or Samsung gives you the freedom to switch networks whenever you want, carriers often offer:

• Device Credits: It is very common to see “S26 on us” deals where the carrier covers the full cost of the phone via 36 months of bill credits.
• High Trade-in Values: Carriers often give more for your old phone (up to $1,000) than third-party retailers do.
• Bundle Savings: Carriers are more likely to throw in a "free" Galaxy Watch or Tab when you sign up for a premium unlimited plan.

Why buy unlocked?

If you plan on using an MVNO (like Mint Mobile or Visible), buying the unlocked S26 from Samsung or Amazon is the way to go. You’ll pay more upfront, but you won’t be locked into a three-year contract with a major carrier.

Once you get your new Samsung flagship phone, make sure to check out our guide to the best Android features so you can take full advantage of your phone right out of the gate. 

While the Galaxy S26 series represents the pinnacle of mobile tech, the previous Galaxy S25 and S24 models remain powerhouses in their own right, offering nearly identical AI capabilities and stunning displays. 

Given that the S26 is a refined evolution rather than a total reinvention, many savvy shoppers might find that a discounted S25 series offers a much better "bang for your buck" right now. 

Check out some of the most popular Galaxy phones below:

Upgrading to the newest Galaxy

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If you’re the type of person who needs the latest Galaxy every single year, you don’t have to pay off your full 36-month installment plan to get the S26. Most major carriers have specific "early upgrade" programs designed just for you.

AT&T Next Up

With AT&T’s Next Up Anytime program, for an extra $10/month on your bill, you can upgrade to the newest Galaxy once you've made just one installment payment. To get the best S26 deals, you typically need to have paid off at least one-third of your current phone.

T-Mobile Yearly Upgrade

If you are on T-Mobile’s Go5G Next or the new Experience Beyond plans, you are automatically eligible for a Yearly Upgrade. Once you’ve paid off 50% of your device (usually after 12 months), T-Mobile wipes the remaining balance and lets you switch to the Galaxy S26 with the same deals they offer to brand-new customers.

Verizon Ultimate Phone Upgrade

Verizon customers on the Unlimited Ultimate plan are eligible for the Ultimate Phone Upgrade. This allows you to get the best trade-in deals on the newest Galaxy every three years, or sooner if you utilize their early upgrade option by paying off 50% of your current device.

Samsung Galaxy release date FAQs

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Will there be a Galaxy S26?

Yes. The Galaxy S26 series, which was officially announced on February 25, 2026, is currently available for preorder.

Is the Galaxy S26 worth waiting for?

If you currently own a Galaxy S22 or older model, the S26 will be a massive upgrade in battery life, AI capabilities, and camera resolution. However, if you have a Galaxy S25, the improvements may be incremental. If you can find a Galaxy S25 Ultra for under $900 right now, it remains an incredible value and will receive software updates until 2032.

When was the Galaxy S25 released?

The Galaxy S25 series was released on February 7, 2025, following an announcement on January 22.

How much will the Galaxy S26 cost?

While component costs (such as RAM and processors) are rising, rumors suggest that Samsung will try to freeze prices in the U.S. to stay competitive with Apple. The S26 lineup prices were announced as followed: Galaxy S26 from $899.99, Galaxy S26+ from $1,099.99, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra from $1,299.99.

How long do Galaxy phones get updates?

Starting with the S24 series, Samsung now promises seven years of OS and security updates. This means a Galaxy S26 purchased in 2026 will be supported all the way through 2033.