Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra New Release Date, Price and Specs Leak Reveals a Risky Change Fans Didn't Expect

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched smartphone launches of 2026, but not for the reasons fans may have expected. A series of credible leaks has now clarified the new release date, price outlook and early specs direction, revealing a strategic shift that could leave some loyal buyers uneasy as upgrade decisions loom.

According to multiple reports, Samsung is preparing to unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra later than its previous flagship, breaking from a familiar January launch rhythm and placing fresh emphasis on cost control and artificial intelligence rather than dramatic hardware changes.

Galaxy S26 Ultra New Release Date

The latest leak comes from a tipster on X. Username Ice Universe, called by Forbes as 'reputable,' indicates that Samsung will host its Galaxy Unpacked event on 25 February 2026, in San Francisco. That would mark a notable delay compared with the Galaxy S25 series, which debuted in January 2025.

Samsung has held its last three Galaxy S launch events in the Bay Area, alternating between San Francisco and San Jose, so the location itself is not a surprise. The timing, however, is. A later reveal immediately raises questions about what Samsung is prioritising with its next Ultra model and whether the extended wait signals deeper changes behind the scenes.

When Can You Buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Looking at Samsung's recent track record offers clues. Over its last five flagship launches, the company has released devices between 14 and 16 days after the Galaxy Unpacked presentation.

If that pattern holds, a 25 February reveal would place the Galaxy S26 Ultra release date around 13 March. That falls slightly later than what many would consider 'early March', but it aligns with Samsung's usual preference for Friday retail launches.

There is also a chance the company moves faster. A 6 March on sale date remains possible if Samsung wants to avoid drifting too far into the month while still honouring reports that point to an early March availability window.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Price Leak Suggests Stability

One of the most searched questions around the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is price, and recent reporting offers rare reassurance. Despite soaring memory and component costs, Samsung is reportedly planning to freeze pricing for the fourth consecutive year, according to Phone Arena.

If accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra price would remain at $1,299 (around £965), with the base Galaxy S26 at $799 (£590) and the Galaxy S26 Plus at $999 (£740). This decision is significant given reports that Samsung has already absorbed losses on other premium devices.

Holding the Ultra price steady may calm consumers, but it also introduces pressure elsewhere. Analysts suggest Samsung could offset costs by raising prices on mid range A series phones rather than risk backlash over a more expensive flagship.

Why the Galaxy S26 Ultra Specs Strategy Looks Riskier

Where concern is emerging is in the early picture of Galaxy S26 Ultra specs. Leaks so far suggest Samsung is shifting focus away from headline grabbing hardware leaps and towards AI driven features and software intelligence.

While improvements to camera performance, processing power and display quality are expected, they are widely described as incremental rather than transformative. For a device that carries the Ultra label, that represents a calculated gamble.

Samsung appears to be betting that advanced AI features and stable pricing will outweigh expectations for bold hardware innovation. For long time Galaxy Ultra users, that balance may feel uncertain, especially with a longer wait before launch.

Why This Galaxy S26 Ultra Shift Matters Now

With competitors accelerating their own flagship cycles and buyers growing more selective about upgrades, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra sits at a crossroads. A later release date, frozen price and AI-led specs strategy signal a company prioritising stability and margins over spectacle.

Whether that proves to be a smart evolution or a misstep will become clearer as Galaxy Unpacked approaches and full specifications are confirmed. For now, the leaks have ensured one thing: the Galaxy S26 Ultra is already sparking debate well before it reaches store shelves.