Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series has been making headlines through a series of leaks over recent weeks. According to reports, Samsung will host an AI-focused Galaxy S26 Unpacked launch event on February 25 in San Francisco, a later date than previously expected. In addition, rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 will debut at higher prices, citing increased costs of critical smartphone components. Meanwhile, insiders keep referencing the Exynos 2600 processor—a potential game-changer for Samsung’s hardware lineup.
On Wednesday, Korean news outlet MT revealed Samsung’s ambitious targets for 2026: the company aims for the Galaxy S26 series to surpass its predecessor, the S25, with projected sales of 35 million units. This aggressive goal, combined with anticipated strong demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8, could fuel a record-breaking year for Samsung’s mobile business—potentially reviving revenue figures not seen since 2013.
Looking ahead to next year, Samsung is reportedly setting its sights on selling 240 million smartphones and 27 million tablets. These targets, if met, would push annual revenue to approximately $90.7 billion (or 130 trillion won). The division previously hit peak sales in 2013, then plateaued at around 100 trillion won annually. For context, Samsung’s mobile division is on track to generate 120 trillion won in revenue this year, with 98 trillion won reported by the third quarter of 2025.
Will Galaxy AI Spark S26 Sales Growth?
As with any flagship series launch, price will be a critical factor. Raising starting prices for the Galaxy S26 lineup could impact demand. However, according to MT’s report, Samsung isn’t relying purely on higher price tags to meet its goals. The company wants to sell 24 million Galaxy S26 units in the first half—up from the Galaxy S25’s 22 million—suggesting that significant upgrades are in store to entice buyers. However, key features for the new series have yet to leak.
Current rumors indicate that the three upcoming Galaxy S26 models will maintain a familiar look and feel, staying close to their predecessors. The S26 Ultra may receive subtle design tweaks aimed at comfort, but standard and Plus variants are expected to remain largely unchanged. Instead, buyers can likely expect improvements typical of new flagships, including better battery life, faster charging, and enhanced cameras. Coupled with the next-gen Exynos 2600 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chips, Samsung hopes these enhancements will offer clear incentives for upgrading.
The Role of AI and Software
Although Samsung doesn’t control the core Android operating system, it overlays its own One UI interface and continues to develop its proprietary Galaxy AI platform. The company also collaborates with AI leaders like Google to deliver innovative features. Industry whispers suggest the S26 series may introduce advanced agentic AI experiences—though details remain scarce—that could be a deciding factor for many consumers weighing an upgrade.
