Main shake-up could also be coming to the Galaxy S26 collection

Samsung’s subsequent main launch is the Galaxy S26 collection, with the launch of its newest foldables now behind it. Earlier experiences steered Samsung would possibly drop the “Plus” mannequin completely in 2026 and introduce an “Edge” mannequin as a substitute. If these rumors maintain up, the lineup would come with the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Extremely. However Samsung’s rebranding and technique pivot would possibly go even additional than that.

We’ve uncovered compelling proof inside an inner One UI 8 construct pointing to a a lot larger shake-up within the Galaxy S26 lineup. In response to the codenames and precise system names we’ve uncovered, there might not be a normal or vanilla “Galaxy S26” mannequin in any respect subsequent 12 months. As a substitute, Samsung’s upcoming flagship collection seems to encompass three fashions: Galaxy S26 Professional, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Extremely. Let’s break it down.

For the Galaxy S24 lineup, Samsung reportedly used the interior codename “Eureka,” with E1, E2, and E3 similar to the usual, Plus, and Extremely fashions, respectively. The Galaxy S25 collection was given the codename Paradigm, with particular person fashions labeled PA1 (S25), PA2 (S25 Plus), and PA3 (S25 Extremely).

Earlier experiences pointed to inner codenames NP1, NP2, and NP3 for the Galaxy S26 collection, with “NP” standing for Subsequent Paradigm. Nevertheless, our findings from the One UI 8 firmware contradict these earlier leaks. As a substitute, the interior builds reference three units labeled M1, M2, and M3, which map to the Galaxy S26 Professional, S26 Edge, and S26 Extremely, respectively (see screenshots from the firmware above).

That is the place issues get attention-grabbing. In earlier lineups, the quantity “1” represented the bottom mannequin. However now, it appears “M1” is related to a Professional variant, not a normal model. If a base S26 mannequin have been to exist, it might logically fall underneath “M0” or maybe “M4,” however there’s no signal of these codenames, making their existence extremely unlikely.

What this might imply for Samsung’s technique

If this rebranding holds, Samsung could also be repositioning its total lineup to replicate a extra premium-focused method. By shifting the “base” mannequin to a “Professional,” changing the “Plus” with an “Edge” variant, and holding the Extremely on the prime, Samsung is presumably signaling a worth hike. The “Professional” label suggests higher specs for the bottom model or a better worth in comparison with the present entry-level Galaxy S25 mannequin.

After all, these insights are primarily based on our findings from the One UI 8 inner construct. Samsung’s ultimate plans may nonetheless change earlier than the Galaxy S26 collection is formally unveiled. That mentioned, the proof aligns carefully with earlier rumors concerning the potential elimination of the Plus mannequin, and helps an earlier tip from leaker Yogesh Brar, who additionally hinted at a rebranding effort, although not exactly in step with what the One UI 8 construct exhibits. Whereas nothing is confirmed till Samsung makes it official, all indicators level to the Galaxy S26 collection trying very completely different subsequent 12 months.