If you thought the smartphone race had earned a breather, Samsung is revving back up. According to recent leaks, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series could debut on February 25, 2026, in San Francisco, marking a shift in the company’s usual January lineup. Meanwhile, the highly-anticipated tri-fold model — Samsung’s first with dual hinges — is reportedly closer to release, having passed regulatory hurdles.

The leak comes from South Korean outlet Money Today, which claims Samsung will hold an Unpacked event in San Francisco on February 25. This would make it the first Galaxy S launch in that city since the S23 series. If accurate, the date signals a longer development cycle for the S26 series, possibly due to internal changes, production constraints or re-tooling for new AI and camera features.

The Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to include standard, Plus and Ultra models — and possibly replace or drop the Edge or Pro variant depending on region. All models may feature Samsung’s own Exynos chipset, and rumors suggest notable enhancements to camera hardware, wireless charging (Qi2) and battery capacity. Some reports say the Edge model may be thinner and offer a unique form-factor opportunity.

Meanwhile, the tri-fold phone has appeared in regulatory databases, including Bluetooth certification, indicating it is nearing commercial readiness. Initial markets appear set to include the U.S., China, South Korea and the UAE, with global expansion in 2026. The device, first teased at Samsung’s S25 launch, would mark a major expansion of the foldable category — delivering a large screen with dual hinges in a compact, closed-form package.

For Samsung, the dual release strategy underscores more than incremental upgrades; it signals an effort to lead in both flagship smartphones and foldables. The move toward a February launch gives Samsung extra runway to build buzz and refine features, while the tri-fold shows the company is ready to push beyond current foldable formats.

If you’re eyeing Samsung’s next big phone, mark your calendars for February 25 and keep an eye on your switch-out date for clause upgrades. This year Samsung appears determined to start the calendar early, and the sets under the spotlight are stacked higher than ever.