In the first major event of the year, Galaxy Unpacked 2026, Samsung came out swinging with new hardware, AI, and privacy experiences. Samsung introduced the next generation Galaxy phones in the lineup: the S26, S26+, and the S26 Ultra. As expected, the lineup continues to receive refinements, featuring slimmer builds, a lighter frame, and a more unified design across the lineup.
Some quick takeaways from the event: all devices got a sleeker design, with the S26 Ultra now 0.3mm thick and weighing just 214 grams. The privacy display, which Samsung says has been years in the making, has made its debut only on the S26 Ultra, which limits side-angle visibility to protect your sensitive content from prying eyes nearby. All devices in the lineup got a processor upgrade to the Snapdragon Elite 8 Generation 5. Enhanced cameras round out the list of the biggest improvements with improved AI processing for better detail and reduced noise.
Samsung has also put extra emphasis on Samsung AI being more contextual and more involved in your everyday tasks, with fewer conflicts. Notable features include a relevant Now Nudge to notify you of plan and calendar conflicts when scheduling events. Click to Search got an upgrade, allowing you to focus on multiple elements in a circle on your screen instead of just one before. The AI ecosystem is growing to better understand your meanings and context with Gemini and Perplexity. Natural-language device control, with commands such as “My eyes feel tired,” will activate the Comfort Shield.
The most talked-about feature is Privacy Display, available only on the s26 Ultra. This new screen technology darkens the display at side angles, preventing over-the-shoulder viewing in public areas. You can even activate it quickly with a double-tap of the side button.
Alongside the hardware improvements, One UI 8.5 offers a better UI with improved responsiveness, AI-powered suggestions, enhanced privacy controls, and enhanced multitasking and productivity tools.
Phones weren’t the only thing announced. Your listening experience in the Samsung ecosystem is getting an upgrade with the Galaxy Buds 4, and the Buds Pro 4 announcement. Coming with an updated design, improved audio performance, and new colors, black, white, and an apricot variant for the Pro model. Pricing for these starts at $179 for the Buds 4 and $249 for the Buds 4 Pro.
Preorders start today with general availability on March 11th. Shared color options across the lineup include Black, White, Violet, and sky blue, alongside the Samsung.com exclusives Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.
