In a surprising turn of events, Samsung has reportedly decided to urgently restart development of the Galaxy S26+ model, reversing its earlier decision to discontinue the “Plus” variant in favor of the Galaxy S26 Edge. According to industry insiders, weaker-than-expected sales of the S25 Edge and changing market dynamics have forced Samsung to bring back the Plus series for its upcoming flagship lineup.
The Galaxy S26+ revival comes at a critical moment for Samsung. The Edge experiment, while innovative in design and branding, failed to capture the mainstream audience Samsung had hoped for. Many loyal Galaxy buyers found the Edge’s positioning confusing, often viewing it as either too similar to the Ultra or lacking the distinct value that the Plus line once offered.
Adding urgency to this decision is Apple’s rumored iPhone Air, which is reportedly struggling with supply chain challenges and low market enthusiasm. Analysts believe Samsung sees a gap opening in the “upper mid-premium” price bracket—traditionally where the Plus models thrive. By reintroducing the Galaxy S26+, the company aims to strengthen its three-tier flagship structure: the standard Galaxy S26, the revived S26+, and the top-of-the-line S26 Ultra.
While exact specifications for the S26+ remain under wraps, industry watchers expect it to carry forward Samsung’s strategy of balanced flagship hardware—larger display, bigger battery, and advanced camera features without overlapping completely with the Ultra.
Samsung’s decision highlights the brand’s agility in responding to consumer sentiment and market pressure. As the smartphone race intensifies in 2025, the return of the Galaxy S26+ could prove to be a pivotal move in reclaiming Samsung’s stronghold in the premium segment.