Samsung is expected to make a big change with its upcoming Galaxy S26 series. According to recent leaks, the Galaxy S26 Plus might be replaced by a new model called the Galaxy S26 Edge. This shift is similar to Apple’s rumored move to replace the iPhone 17 Plus with the iPhone 17 Air. However, Samsung’s rebranding may go even further.
Samsung Galaxy S26 series lineup and internal changes
The new Galaxy S26 lineup is likely to include the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. This means Samsung could drop the base Galaxy S26 model entirely. Strong evidence from an internal One UI 8 build supports this change. In this updated lineup, the Galaxy S26 Pro would replace the standard S26 with improved hardware, the Galaxy S26 Edge would take over the S26 Plus slot, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains unchanged.
For reference, the Galaxy S25 series had the internal codename Paradigm, with models labeled PA1 (S25), PA2 (S25 Plus), and PA3 (S25 Ultra). In contrast, the Galaxy S26 series is internally labeled M1, M2, and M3—believed to represent the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra respectively—further confirming the rumored name changes.
If these leaks prove true—as they often do—Samsung appears to be repositioning its flagship series with a stronger premium focus. Replacing the base Galaxy S26 with the Galaxy S26 Pro may also lead to better specifications and a possible price increase. This move signals Samsung’s intent to push high-end features across the lineup.
Although nothing has been officially confirmed, we’ll have to wait for Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event to see what’s officially announced. Until then, these leaks offer a compelling preview of the possible changes coming to the Galaxy S26 series.
