Samsung Unpacked 2026: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Buds 4 Pro, and the End of an Era

Next week, Samsung will host its highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event, where the tech giant is expected to unveil its next generation of flagship devices—including the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Buds 4 Pro, and potentially its first consumer smart glasses. While official details remain under wraps, a synthesis of industry leaks, supply chain insights, and product roadmap analysis reveals a transformative shift in Samsung’s mobile strategy.

According to SamMobile, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to feature a revolutionary AI-powered camera system capable of real-time scene reconstruction and computational depth mapping, surpassing current benchmarks in low-light and telephoto performance. The device is rumored to搭载 a custom 5nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 9 Gen 4 chipset, paired with 12GB of LPDDR6X memory and a 6,000mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. Notably, the S26 Ultra will integrate Samsung’s new ‘Neural Core 2’ AI processor, dedicated to on-device machine learning tasks, reducing reliance on cloud-based processing and enhancing privacy.

One of the most significant changes expected is the discontinuation of the S Pen stylus in the standard Galaxy S26 model. While the Ultra variant will retain the S Pen slot and enhanced stylus functionality, the move signals Samsung’s intent to differentiate its product tiers more sharply. This aligns with internal sources cited by SamMobile, which suggest the company is consolidating its premium pen-enabled features into the Ultra line to drive higher-margin sales and reduce component complexity across the broader S-series lineup.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are rumored to introduce a first-of-its-kind adaptive noise cancellation system that uses real-time biometric feedback from ear canal pressure sensors to dynamically adjust sound isolation. The earbuds will also feature a new ‘Voice Focus’ mode, powered by on-device AI, designed to isolate the user’s voice in noisy environments—a feature particularly valuable for professionals and remote workers. Battery life is expected to reach 9 hours on a single charge, with 30 hours total with the case, and support for USB-C and Qi2 wireless charging.

Perhaps the most intriguing rumor involves Samsung’s entry into the smart glasses market. Multiple sources, including supply chain analysts tracked by CNET, indicate that Samsung is preparing a prototype of its long-rumored ‘Galaxy Glass’—a sleek, lightweight AR display frame with a micro-OLED waveguide display and voice-controlled interface. Though not expected to be commercially released at Unpacked 2026, a limited developer edition may be unveiled to gauge market response and build developer ecosystems ahead of a 2027 launch.

Interestingly, despite the flood of rumors surrounding new hardware, there is no indication that Samsung will introduce a new foldable device at this event. The Galaxy Z Fold7, recently discounted by retailers, remains the current flagship foldable, suggesting the next iteration is on a longer development cycle. This delay may reflect Samsung’s strategic pivot toward refining AI integration and wearables rather than expanding form factors in the near term.

As Samsung prepares to unveil its 2026 lineup, the company appears to be betting heavily on artificial intelligence as its primary differentiator. From on-device neural processing to context-aware audio and AR prototypes, the focus is no longer solely on hardware specs—but on seamless, intelligent user experiences that anticipate needs before they’re articulated. The Unpacked 2026 event may not just introduce new gadgets; it could redefine the future of mobile interaction.