Samsung has recently confirmed that there will be no Galaxy S26+ next year. In an unexpected move, the S26 lineup will consist of only three models: the 6.27-inch Galaxy S26, the 6.66-inch Galaxy S26 Edge, and the 6.89-inch Galaxy S26 Ultra. 
The announcement came after the success of the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra earlier this year, followed by the introduction of the S25 Edge in May. The absence of the S26+ comes as a bit of a shock, but it’s not entirely surprising when you consider the direction Samsung is taking.
The Galaxy S25 Edge seems to be the catalyst for this change. With a screen size identical to the S25+, it’s thinner and slightly more compact, albeit with some compromises-most notably a smaller battery and fewer cameras. This shift in design is in line with Apple’s rumored move to discontinue the iPhone 16 Plus in favor of a more compact iPhone 17 Air. By removing the Plus variant from the S26 lineup, Samsung is seemingly following suit.
Sales data suggests that the Plus models have been underperforming, especially when compared to their more premium counterparts like the Ultra. Both Samsung and Apple are likely responding to consumer preferences for either a fully-featured flagship or a budget-friendly option, skipping the middle ground. The S26 Edge, while slightly more expensive, will fill the gap for users who want a screen size in between, but without the bulk or features of the Ultra.
For those who love bigger displays and cutting-edge features, the S26 Ultra remains the go-to model. It’s expected to be the most expensive in the lineup, but it offers everything an enthusiast might desire, from a large, vibrant display to the highest-end specs. However, the Ultra’s size and weight could be a dealbreaker for some, especially considering the higher price tag.
While the discontinuation of the Plus variant may seem disappointing to some, it reflects a growing trend of thinner, more streamlined devices. Unfortunately, this means that fans of the S25+ will have to make a choice between the more expensive Ultra or the more compact and less feature-rich Edge.