Exclusive: Galaxy S26 series could represent a major shake-up in Samsung’s flagship lineup

Samsung’s next major release is the Galaxy S26 series, with the launch of its latest foldables now behind it. Earlier reports suggested Samsung might drop the “Plus” model entirely in 2026 and introduce an “Edge” model in its place. If those rumors hold up, the lineup would include the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra. But Samsung’s rebranding and strategy pivot might go even further than that.

We’ve uncovered compelling evidence within an internal One UI 8 build pointing to a much bigger shake-up in the Galaxy S26 lineup. According to the codenames and actual device names we’ve uncovered, there may not be a standard or vanilla “Galaxy S26” model at all next year. Instead, Samsung’s upcoming flagship series appears to consist of three models: Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Let’s break it down.

For the Galaxy S24 lineup, Samsung reportedly used the internal codename “Eureka,” with E1, E2, and E3 corresponding to the standard, Plus, and Ultra models, respectively. The Galaxy S25 series was given the codename Paradigm, with individual models labeled PA1 (S25), PA2 (S25 Plus), and PA3 (S25 Ultra).

Previous reports pointed to internal codenames NP1, NP2, and NP3 for the Galaxy S26 series, with “NP” standing for Next Paradigm. However, our findings from the One UI 8 firmware contradict those earlier leaks. Instead, the internal builds reference three devices labeled M1, M2, and M3, which map to the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra, respectively (see screenshots from the firmware above).

This is where things get interesting. In previous lineups, the number “1” represented the base model. But now, it seems “M1” is associated with a Pro variant, not a standard version. If a base S26 model were to exist, it would logically fall under “M0” or perhaps “M4,” but there’s no sign of those codenames.

What this could mean for Samsung’s strategy

If this rebranding holds, Samsung may be repositioning its entire lineup to reflect a more premium-focused approach. By shifting the “base” model to a “Pro,” replacing the “Plus” with an “Edge” variant, and keeping the Ultra at the top, Samsung is possibly signaling a price hike. The “Pro” label suggests better specs for the base version or a higher price compared to the current entry-level Galaxy S25 model.

Of course, these insights are based on our findings from the One UI 8 internal build. Samsung’s final plans could still change before the Galaxy S26 series is officially unveiled. That said, the evidence aligns closely with previous rumors about the possible removal of the Plus model, and supports an earlier tip from leaker Yogesh Brar, who also hinted at a rebranding effort, though not precisely in line with what the One UI 8 build shows. While nothing is confirmed until Samsung makes it official, all signs point to the Galaxy S26 series looking very different next year.