S26 Ultra headlines Samsung Unpacked 2026 with Privacy Display and 60W charging

Samsung closed its first Unpacked event of the year by launching a new Galaxy S26 lineup and an updated Buds series; the s26 ultra stands out with a specialized Privacy Display and 60W charging. The announcements include hardware changes, software updates and preorder bundles that matter to buyers planning to upgrade now.

On-the-ground and hands-on coverage from San Francisco

Coverage came from the ground in San Francisco and remotely, with reporters working around the clock to gather details on the event. The recap and hands-on notes were published with a byline from Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief, dated Feb. 26 at 7: 00 a. m. ET.

Display, design and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset

The Galaxy S26 lineup was presented as the headlining act and emphasized larger displays with thinner bezels. Samsung said the phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The Ultra model was singled out for new hardware: it introduces 60W charging and a specialized Privacy Display.

S26 Ultra and the new Privacy Display explained

The S26 Ultra pairs the specialized Privacy Display with the higher charging rate, positioning the Ultra as the most feature-rich model in the lineup. The event framed these changes as part of the company’s push to make its newest flagship more intuitive and private for users.

Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro: ultra-wideband and gesture controls

Accompanying the phones are the Galaxy Buds 4 and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Both Buds models support ultra-wideband and gesture controls, expanding how users can interact with audio hardware alongside the new phones.

OneUI 8. 5: notification and Bixby refinements

Software updates will arrive in the form of OneUI 8. 5, which the company says will offer refined notification behavior and improved Bixby interactions. Those interface changes were presented alongside the hardware announcements as part of the Unpacked slate.

Preorder deals, retailers and the fine print

For buyers preparing to preorder a Galaxy S26, the company has partnered with major retailers to offer preorder deals that bundle free gift cards and further discounts. The recap notes that carrier offers remain an option and that buyers should read the fine print to understand qualifications for promotions advertised as "free" or "$1, 000 off"—for example, those promotions may require trading in a qualifying device and agreeing to installment plans. The remainder of the sentence describing the installment plan qualifications is unclear in the provided context.

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Hands-on coverage and a full rundown were promised after going hands-on with the new products.