Samsung is known for evolving its Galaxy S series every year, but the Galaxy S26 lineup might bring one of the most dramatic changes yet. A new report based on internal software reveals that the South Korean tech giant could be dropping both the standard Galaxy S26 and the Plus variant. In their place, Samsung may launch the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, signaling a shift toward a more premium-focused lineup.
This development comes as a surprise to many, especially since Samsung has traditionally launched three flagship models annually. The Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra were all introduced earlier this year, continuing the pattern from previous generations. But internal references found in the latest One UI 8 firmware suggest that Samsung might be retiring the lower-tier options to position the S26 series as a more elite offering.
The leaked firmware build reportedly includes codenames M1, M2, and M3, which industry insiders believe refer to the Pro, Edge, and Ultra versions of the Galaxy S26. Earlier rumors had suggested that the series would follow the NP1, NP2, and NP3 format, with NP standing for Next Paradigm. However, this latest internal evidence points to a possible strategy shift, one that aligns more with luxury branding and higher pricing tiers.
If these leaks are accurate, it could mean big things for Samsung’s approach to premium smartphones. The Pro model is expected to offer improved internals over the standard variant, possibly pushing the base price higher. The Edge version, which was previously introduced as part of the Galaxy S25 lineup, may now fully replace the Plus model. This mid-tier variant is rumored to bring a curved display, a thin design, and flagship-grade performance, making it a strong contender for those who want high-end features without going all in on the Ultra.
While Samsung has not officially confirmed these changes, industry watchers believe the company may be reacting to sales data and market trends. The Galaxy S25 Edge’s performance in particular may have influenced the decision to keep the Edge branding alive. The final call is expected to be based on the overall reception and numbers from the S25 series, especially in key markets like India, the US, and South Korea.
If the shift happens, it will mark a significant rebranding effort from Samsung. Moving away from the traditional Standard and Plus naming could help distinguish the S26 lineup from competitors and reinforce Samsung’s push toward an elite smartphone experience.
All eyes are now on Samsung’s next Unpacked event, expected early next year, where the company may officially unveil its new flagship strategy.
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