Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra release date rumors: Here's when we expect it to go on sale

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It won't be long now

A back shot of the Galaxy S25 Ultra
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Now that Samsung has officially set its next Galaxy Unpacked event for February 25, we're one step closer to locking down a Galaxy S26 Ultra release date. Compared to last year, there's a noticeable shift in the timeline, as the launch appears to be arriving slightly later in the season.

Naturally, all eyes are on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The flagship is expected to feature significant hardware upgrades, including a privacy display, a larger camera sensor, and expanded Galaxy AI capabilities. But beyond what the new phone brings to the table, the bigger question remains: when will it actually hit shelves?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S25 Plus vs S25

(Image credit: Future)

Traditionally speaking, Samsung has followed a consistent timeline with its flagship releases. If we look at the last Unpacked event for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, the foldables were announced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and subsequently released 16 days later on Friday, July 25.

Looking back even further, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s release timeline was nearly identical. The flagship was announced on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and released 16 days later on Friday, February 7. Notice the pattern?

While there is a clear trend, there have been some exceptions to the standard 16-day gap. Take the Galaxy S25 Edge, which was officially announced on Monday, May 12, 2025, and hit stores on Friday, May 30. That's an 18-day difference.

Another instance is the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which had a slightly shorter 14-day gap between its January 17, 2024, announcement and its January 31 release.

Short window for Galaxy S26 Ultra release date

leaked Galaxy S26 Ultra color options

(Image credit: Sammy Guru, Cifrus)

Given these historical patterns, we could see the Galaxy S26 Ultra release date fall anywhere from 14 to 18 days after the Galaxy Unpacked event. This would place the launch window between March 11 and March 15.

We suspect Samsung will stick to the 16-day schedule it has favored over the last few years, which would make Friday, March 13, the most likely release date. However, there is also a chance Samsung could move the date up for a Wednesday release, making March 11 a strong candidate.

Now, you might be thinking it would be bad luck to launch a major flagship on Friday the 13th — but Koreans generally do not share the same superstitions as Western culture regarding that date. Instead, they traditionally hold superstitions surrounding the number four. Fortunately, that number is nowhere to be found in the projected mid-March launch window.

Outlook

Galaxy Unpacked 2026 gif animation.

(Image credit: Samsung)

We should have a definitive answer regarding the Galaxy S26 Ultra release date at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in a couple of weeks. The company traditionally shares official availability and pricing for its entire lineup during the keynote, and we expect this year to be no different.

Aside from the release date, the most pressing matter surrounding the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its price. The current "RAM crisis" may force Samsung to make tough decisions regarding the flagship's MSRP. Ideally, the cost will remain at $1,299 — the starting price established with the last two generations of the Ultra series.

Considering that Samsung’s $30 reservation credit is notably lower than the $50 it has offered for years, it raises the question of whether the company is cutting back on incentives to combat rising component costs and keep the phone's starting price unchanged

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John Velasco
John Velasco
Senior Channel Editor for Phones

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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