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A few month in the past, a Galaxy S26 leak from a trusted insider gave us a take a look at purported dummy items for the three fashions within the sequence: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Extremely. The leak did not shock us, contemplating the Galaxy S26 launch occasion is coming in early 2026. Nonetheless, a report from Korean-language website ETNews on Wednesday presents a distinct perspective. Samsung is reportedly contemplating releasing a Galaxy S26 Plus mannequin as a part of the Galaxy S26 sequence, as Galaxy S25 Edge gross sales have upset. The Galaxy S26 line could find yourself that includes 4 fashions as a substitute of three, with the Plus performing as a hedge in opposition to doubtlessly decrease demand for the next-generation Edge mannequin.
Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Edge in Could, a number of months earlier than Apple unveiled the iPhone Air. By the point the Air would launch, Samsung might say it was the primary to launch an ultra-thin flagship smartphone. Nonetheless, Samsung might need developed the Galaxy S25 Edge precisely as a result of it had information of the upcoming arrival of the Air. Whereas that is hypothesis, it is primarily based on rumors that arose within the lead as much as the Galaxy S25 launch. The Galaxy S25 Edge appeared in leaks a lot later than the opposite three Galaxy S25 fashions, just like what’s taking place now with the Galaxy S26 Plus. This recommended a delayed growth begin for the Edge in comparison with the opposite Galaxy S fashions.
ETNews says that Galaxy S25 Edge gross sales have underperformed, with manufacturing dropping since June, a month after the ultra-slim telephone’s launch. The report notes that smartphone gross sales are concentrated within the first three months after launch. By September, Samsung ought to have had a good suggestion of what kind of demand it could actually count on for ultra-slim telephones.
Will the Galaxy S26 Plus outsell the Edge?
Samsung reportedly solely began work on the Galaxy S26 Plus not too long ago. Consequently, the Galaxy S26 sequence might function 4 fashions as a substitute of the standard three. The Plus mannequin is not notably well-liked with consumers both, however it sells higher than the Edge. ETNews says Samsung plans to fabricate 300,000 Galaxy S25 Edge items between September and December, and 500,000 Galaxy S25 Plus items. It is also producing 3.4 million Galaxy S25 Extremely items and a pair of.9 million Galaxy S25 items throughout the interval.
The Galaxy S25 Edge was presupposed to be a alternative for the Plus, just like how Apple used the iPhone Air to exchange the iPhone Plus. Poor gross sales appear to have thrown a wrench in these plans. The report says Samsung’s gross sales goal for the Galaxy S25 sequence sits at round 37.7 million items. The Plus accounts for six.7 million items. The Galaxy S25 Extremely tops the record with 17.4 million, whereas the usual model has a goal of about 13.6 million.
The absence of a Galaxy S26 Plus possibility may damage Samsung’s backside line. The telephone prices round $962 in Korea ($999 within the U.S.). Promoting 1 million fewer items would symbolize about $1 billion in misplaced income. ETNews factors out that Samsung cannot afford such theoretical losses. As for the iPhone Air, it is too early to inform how nicely the telephone will promote in comparison with the iPhone Plus mannequin it changed. On the time of writing, the iPhone Air is at the moment the one new iPhone obtainable to order on-line, as all other iPhone 17 versions are sold out.