Galaxy S26 Series Release Date Leaked for March 2026

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series might not arrive in stores until March 11, 2026, according to a new leak from a French source. This would put the market release about two weeks after a rumored Unpacked event on February 25, 2026.

This timeline represents a significant change from Samsung's recent pattern. For the past two years, the company has launched its Galaxy S flagships in late January, with devices hitting shelves shortly after. A move to early March suggests Samsung is adjusting its production or marketing calendar for the first time in years.

What the Rumors Say

The leak comes from Evan Blass, a well-known industry tipster, who previously shared the February 25 Unpacked date. While that seemed far-fetched at the time, this new March 11 release date lends it more credibility. If true, pre-orders would likely open shortly after the February event, with actual shipments starting March 11.

The series is expected to include the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. Interestingly, rumors suggest Samsung may be discontinuing the short-lived Edge branding in favor of keeping the Plus model. This would simplify the lineup and avoid confusion that the Edge name might create.

Why the Delay?

Several factors could explain the schedule shift. Samsung might be aligning its flagship launch with the Chinese New Year, which falls in late January 2026. Or the company could be giving itself more time to refine hardware or software features. Manufacturing timelines for new components like advanced camera sensors or custom chips often dictate release dates.

The two-week gap between Unpacked and retail availability is also notable. Samsung typically opens pre-orders immediately after the event, with shipping starting within a week or two. A longer wait could mean the company is building more inventory to avoid the stock shortages that have plagued previous launches.

What This Means for Buyers

If you're planning to upgrade to the S26 series, you'll need to wait an extra month compared to recent years. This also pushes the device closer to Google's Pixel launch cycle, which usually happens in May, and Apple's iPhone release in September. The mobile calendar is becoming more staggered, giving consumers more time to compare options.

For now, treat these dates as unconfirmed rumors. Samsung has not officially announced any launch details. But if the French source proves accurate, early March 2026 will be the time to watch for Samsung's next flagship wave.