Samsung is gearing up to reshape its Galaxy S26 lineup in an unexpected way. While the company plans to release three models in the S26 series, they won’t be the same as the versions we’ve seen in previous years. Reports suggest that there will be no Galaxy S26 Plus this time around.
Instead, Samsung is rumored to release the Galaxy S26 Edge alongside the regular Galaxy S26 and the high-end Galaxy S26 Ultra models.
A recent report, based on sources within the Korean supply chain, has confirmed that Samsung could launch only three models of the Galaxy S26 next year. Excluding a potential Fan Edition variant, the lineup is expected to include the following models:
- Samsung Galaxy S26 with a 6.27-inch display
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge with a 6.66-inch display
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with a 6.89-inch display
The news comes just after the Galaxy S26 series was spotted in the GSMA database, where only three model numbers were listed, matching the trio of expected devices.
This change from Samsung might not be entirely surprising. The Galaxy S25 Edge had a 6.7-inch display like the S25 Plus but with a much slimmer body. However, this slim design came with trade-offs, such as a missing rear camera and a significantly smaller battery that charged slower. Despite these sacrifices, the S25 Edge stood out, which might be exactly what Samsung is aiming for with the S26 series.
If the rumor turns out to be true, Samsung will have three very distinct flagship options, which could capture more attention. However, anyone looking for a larger phone without the Ultra’s extra features might be forced to choose between a device with a smaller battery or one with a larger screen and higher price tag.
Looking at Apple’s recent trends, it’s clear that the Plus models aren’t always big sellers. The iPhone 16 Plus, for example, was the least popular among the iPhone 16 series, and it may be replaced by the iPhone 17 Air in the next release. Given this, it’s possible Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Plus was also the least sold in its lineup.
Even so, it’s important to take these rumors with a pinch of salt. The discontinuation of the Plus model has been speculated before, but it has always returned. Moreover, the S25 Edge doesn’t seem to have set the world on fire either, so the era of ultra-slim flagships might take a little longer to fully establish itself.