Samsung S26 Launch Live: What to Expect from the S26, S26 Plus, S26 Ultra and New Buds
The Samsung S26 series is being unveiled live from San Francisco at 1 PM ET, a launch that matters because it sets the tone for flagships and accessory strategy this year. The event will introduce the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, and it arrives with early signals about earbuds, storage changes and trade-in promotions that could reshape preorder value.
Samsung S26 lineup and what’s expected
The core of the presentation is a three-device Galaxy S26 family: a base model, an S26 Plus, and an S26 Ultra. These are the flagship phones highlighted for this Unpacked event, with the foldable lineup left for a separate summer presentation. Observers are watching whether price pressure tied to what some call the "RAMageddon" era shows up in final pricing, and whether new AI-driven features are introduced across the S26 line.
Event coverage emphasizes hands-on impressions and live reaction as devices are shown. The S26 name is front and center, and the event is positioned as the company’s first major Unpacked of the year, focused on flagship phones and related accessories rather than foldables.
Accessories, storage changes and preorder signals
Alongside the phones, earbuds are part of the expected mix. Two new models — Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — are mentioned as potential announcements, with early commentary pointing to a new design and improved audio quality for the buds. Historically, certain earbud features have required pairing with the same-brand phones; that pattern is noted as a consideration for anyone buying new headphones with a new phone.
Preorder signals are already appearing in the retail channel. A reservation credit has been advertised at $30, and enhanced trade-in credits are being teased: one promotional figure mentioned up to $900 in enhanced trade-in credit tied to a reservation offer, while a retailer listing shows trade-in credit possibilities up to $1, 100. Those promotional mechanics also hint at free storage upgrades during the pre-order window.
There is specific speculation about base storage: the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus could receive an upgrade to 256GB as the new base configuration. If that materializes, common preorder storage-boost promotions could translate into even larger practical increases — for example, doubling the base storage that customers see in their purchase window. These storage and trade-in cues are shaping early buyer calculus for the Samsung S26 series.
What to watch during the live reveal
Key watching points for the live presentation are clear: final specs and storage tiers for each S26 model, official pricing and the exact structure of preorder incentives. Also on the list are whether new AI features will be integrated across the S26 lineup and what, if any, changes to RAM or memory configuration affect cost.
Expect immediate hands-on impressions and clarification on accessory compatibility, especially for new earbuds and any exclusive features that pair with the new phones. The foldable phones are not part of this event, so attention should remain on how the Galaxy S26 family and accessories will compete in the flagship market for the months ahead.
Recent updates indicate some details are still evolving as the event unfolds. Final specifications, pricing and promotional terms will be confirmed during the live presentation; until then, the S26 launch is shaping up as a focused flagship moment with clear signals about storage upgrades, trade-in generosity and accessory strategy.
