Everything to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: New phones, more AI features
Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked is almost here, and if the leaks are to be believed, the Galaxy S26 series won’t just be a routine refresh. Between hardware tweaks, a redesigned One UI, upgraded earbuds, and a heavier AI push, there’s a lot on deck.
Here’s everything to expect ahead of Galaxy Unpacked 2026 on Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. ET. We'll be covering the event live, and you can watch along with Mashable and our colleagues at CNET during the show.
Galaxy S26 lineup: Base, Plus, Ultra — and maybe more?
Despite earlier rumors of a shakeup, Samsung is now expected to stick with a familiar trio: Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. Reports that the base model would be rebranded as "Pro" and that the Plus would be scrapped appear to have fizzled, with coverage citing a return to the traditional naming scheme.
You May Also Like
Leaker Evan Blass recently posted the potential color options on X, including:
Black
White
Silver Shadow
Sky Blue
Cobalt Violet
Pink Gold
As for specs, the S26 series is rumored to run on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with some regions potentially getting an Exynos variant. RAM could jump to 16GB across models, and the battery is where things may get more interesting. The S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 5,500mAh stacked battery, a 10 percent increase over its predecessor.
Camera rumors are mixed. The Ultra could retain a 200MP main sensor (possibly upgraded), while base and Plus models may once again stick with a 50MP + 12MP + 10MP triple-lens setup.
As for the previously rumored S26 Edge? Its fate remains unclear, with reports suggesting it could be delayed or quietly scrapped.
The Galaxy S26 has been leaking like a faucet
If you just can't wait a day, the tech YouTuber Sahil Karoul appears to have secured the Galaxy S26 Ultra in Dubai ahead of its official debut, as we reported earlier today. So, if you want an early potential look at the phone, check out the full video. The rumored Galaxy Buds 4 have also been the subject of a steady drip of leaks lately (more on this shortly).
Galaxy AI features
If there’s one throughline heading into Galaxy Unpacked, it’s AI. Reports suggest Samsung is expanding Galaxy AI in a big way, potentially including an AI-powered notifications summary tool that condenses 24 hours of alerts into a quick digest using its Gauss model.
There are also rumors of deeper third-party integrations, including a possible deal to preload Perplexity on the S26, which could reshape how Samsung’s browser and virtual assistant handle search.
On the creative side, upgraded Photo Assist tools and generative image features will allow users to edit and create visuals more seamlessly, all within a more unified AI editing experience. (The new AI photo features were recently confirmed by Samsung.) Whether that translates to genuinely smarter software or just more AI branding will become clearer once Unpacked kicks off.
Privacy Display and One UI 8.5
The S26 lineup is expected to debut with One UI 8.5, which Mashable previously reported will introduce a significant visual refresh and new features.
One of the most talked-about additions is "Privacy Display," a built-in screen mode that mimics a frosted screen protector to block shoulder surfers. There are also rumors of more transparent UI elements inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic. In January, leaker Ice Universe posted an old video showing a version of Privacy Display on a prototype device.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
On the AI front, Tom’s Guide reports that One UI 8.5 may introduce an AI-powered notifications summary tool using Samsung’s Gauss AI model.
The feature would reportedly condense 24 hours of alerts into a digestible overview and support multiple languages at launch.
Galaxy Buds 4
Samsung is also expected to unveil the Galaxy Buds 4 series alongside the S26 phones.
According to Android Authority, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro could support head gestures, allowing users to nod or shake their head to answer calls or dismiss notifications. The earbuds may also double as a remote shutter for the camera app — pinch and hold to snap a photo.
Another rumored addition: a "Find My Phone" feature triggered by double-tapping the pairing button on the case.
Topics Samsung Samsung Unpacked
Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable, covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father. His writing has also appeared in PC Mag and Mother Jones.
In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and greatly enjoys Detroit sports. If you have any tips or want to talk shop about the Lions, you can reach out to him on Bluesky @offbrandchance.bsky.social or by email at [email protected].
