Galaxy S26 Plus to replace the struggling S25 Edge as Samsung rethinks its flagship lineup

Samsung’s attempt to launch the ultra-thin flagship Galaxy S25 Edge didn’t succeed. Despite solid opening sales in May, demand slid sharply by June, and, according to The Elec, the company has started developing a new model—the Galaxy S26 Plus—planned for early next year alongside the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The swift change of course hints at a readiness to rethink the lineup when a bet underperforms.

Internally, the Galaxy S26 Plus is labeled "M Plus". The original roadmap included three devices—the Galaxy S26 Pro (M1), Galaxy S26 Edge (M2), and Galaxy S26 Ultra (M3)—but weak interest in the Edge prompted an adjustment. Analysts estimate that demand was already slipping before the iPhone 17 arrived; after Apple announced a $799 rival with 256 GB of storage and a 120 Hz display, whatever attention remained on the Galaxy S25 Edge nearly evaporated.

The report also states that only 300,000 Galaxy S25 Edge units were scheduled for September–December—well below the Galaxy S25 Plus (500,000) and Galaxy S25 Ultra (3.4 million). Meanwhile, sales of the base iPhone 17 are described as so strong that even Xiaomi trimmed shipments of its new smartphones in China by 20%. Against this backdrop, Samsung’s prospects of competing with Apple look modest.

Rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 Plus will bring a larger battery, a refreshed design, and broader camera features. Whether that will truly replace the Galaxy S26 Edge and reignite buyer interest remains an open question; even with better battery test scores, the Galaxy S25 Edge couldn’t match the iPhone Air’s popularity. Specs alone rarely settle the contest.