Galaxy S26 Pro labeling surfaces, perplexingly replacing the standard edition model
Samsung Revamps Galaxy S Lineup with New Naming Scheme
Samsung is set to shake up its Galaxy S series with a new naming scheme for the upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup. Instead of the traditional base and Plus models, the series will consist of three models: the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Pro is expected to replace the previous standard vanilla Galaxy S base model, serving as the entry point for the flagship series. The Plus model, on the other hand, is being dropped in favor of an "Edge" variant, reintroducing the Edge branding into the main lineup. The Ultra remains the top-tier flagship, offering the most advanced hardware.
The "Pro" model is intended to revitalize interest in the base Galaxy phone, which has previously been overshadowed by the Plus and Ultra models. Samsung internally uses codenames like NP (Next Paradigm) and model identifiers M1, M2, and M3 to correspond roughly to S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra respectively.
According to reports, Samsung is likely to release the Galaxy S26 lineup in the first couple of months of 2026. The company has been opting to push the S Pen out and bring in a new era of devices, and there might be no more singular offshoots in the Galaxy S26 series that prove too niche.
One UI 8, Samsung's latest user interface, seems to suggest these changes, as it appears to remove bootloader unlock from Samsung Galaxy devices. If these findings hold true, the Galaxy S26 series might start with the FE version and work its way up to Ultra, with the Galaxy S26 Pro and Edge coming in second and third place.
Plenty of leaks prior to the launch should give a clearer picture of what Samsung plans on doing with the Galaxy S26 trio. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung's latest foldable device, has already shown signs of losing functionality in favor of thickness, which may extend to the Ultra for a smaller profile. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has survived a durability test without breaking a sweat or its displays.
In a notable move, Samsung is considering adopting the "Edge" branding into the main lineup of the Galaxy S26 series. The plan to replace the Galaxy S26+ with the Galaxy S26 Edge was contingent on the Galaxy S25 Edge's performance. Additionally, there are signs that Samsung is gearing up for the death of the S Pen.
The report by The Elec, from earlier this year, initially suggested that the Galaxy S26+ would be replaced by the Galaxy S26 Edge. This strategic shift away from the vanilla and Plus model structure used in recent years is expected to make the Galaxy S26 series more competitive in the market.
[1] https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-galaxy-s26-pro-s26-edge-s26-ultra-codenames/ [2] https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s26_pro_s26_edge_s26_ultra-news-45133.php [3] https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/13/22897284/samsung-galaxy-s26-pro-s26-edge-s26-ultra-codenames-leak [4] https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s26-series-reportedly-getting-new-naming-scheme [5] https://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Series-to-feature-new-naming-scheme-Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Pro-Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Edge-Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Ultra_id1422092
- Samsung is rumored to introduce the Galaxy S26 lineup with a new naming scheme, featuring the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, where the Galaxy S26 Pro might serve as the entry point for the flagship series, similar to the previous standard vanilla Galaxy S base model.
- To make the Galaxy S26 series more competitive in the market, Samsung is reportedly considering adopting the "Edge" branding into the main lineup, replacing the Galaxy S26+ with the Galaxy S26 Edge, and phasing out the S Pen, shift that was previously suggested by the company's decision to release the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a slimmer profile.
