For tech enthusiasts, this is undoubtedly one of the must-watch announcements of the year. From premium smartphones and next-generation wireless earbuds to advanced AI features, Unpacked 2026 is expected to deliver notable upgrades across the Galaxy ecosystem.

Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra will be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2026. Photo: Tom’s Guide

Below is how to watch the event and what the tech world is expecting to see.

How to watch Galaxy Unpacked 2026 live

Galaxy Unpacked 2026 will take place in San Francisco at 1pm on February 25 (1am on February 26, Vietnam time).

For those unable to attend in person, Samsung will livestream the entire event on its official website and YouTube channel.

This allows users worldwide to follow the product announcements in real time, just as in previous Unpacked editions.

Traditionally, Unpacked is not just about launching new devices but also serves as a stage for Samsung to present its strategic advancements in software, artificial intelligence and ecosystem integration.

The main focus: Galaxy S26 series

The star of Unpacked 2026 is expected to be the Galaxy S26 trio: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Leaked renders suggest subtle design refinements. The camera module appears more pronounced, while the Ultra variant reportedly features slightly more rounded edges to align visually with the other two models.

Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to introduce the most significant improvements. One highlight could be a next-generation privacy display capable of automatically obscuring on-screen content when it detects someone viewing from an angle.

This feature is said to leverage AI to recognize viewing angles in real time.

The display may also be upgraded to a 10-bit color standard, enabling richer and more accurate color reproduction, particularly beneficial for users who edit photos or consume HDR content.

Reports also suggest improved charging speeds and minor refinements to the camera system, although not a major hardware overhaul.

Meanwhile, Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are not expected to undergo dramatic design changes, though they may be slightly thinner than their predecessors. Notably, the standard model could see a small display size increase to 6.3 inches, up from 6.2 inches previously.

In terms of performance, all three models are rumored to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Samsung’s Exynos 2600, depending on the market.

Galaxy Buds 4 may also debut

Beyond smartphones, Samsung is likely to introduce the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro.

Leaked images show a redesigned exterior with a metallic accent strip, offering a more premium appearance and distinguishing them from previous designs. The change also reduces similarities with Apple’s earbuds lineup.

The standard Buds 4 are expected to retain a plastic finish, while the Pro version may include silicone ear tips to improve fit and passive noise isolation.

AI remains at the center

No major tech event today is complete without artificial intelligence, and Unpacked 2026 is no exception.

The privacy display on Galaxy S26 Ultra is one AI-powered feature already hinted at.

Samsung is also expected to introduce additional AI-driven photography tools, ranging from enhanced image processing to intelligent editing features.

Another notable possibility is on-device AI image generation, reportedly developed in collaboration with Nota AI.

This points to a broader trend of AI running directly on smartphones rather than relying entirely on cloud computing.

What may not appear

Although rumors previously mentioned a super-thin Galaxy S26 Edge, several reports indicate that the project has been canceled or indefinitely postponed due to underwhelming sales of its predecessor.

If the Edge model does exist, it is unlikely to be introduced at this event.

Users should also not expect new foldable devices or smartwatches. Products such as Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Z Flip 8 are typically reserved for Samsung’s summer Unpacked event, following the company’s established release cycle.

Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is widely viewed as the opening move in this year’s premium smartphone competition. With refined design, smarter displays, deeper AI integration and new ecosystem accessories, the Galaxy S26 lineup could shape mobile trends in the months ahead.

If the leaks prove accurate, this generation may not be revolutionary in hardware terms but will focus heavily on user experience, privacy and on-device artificial intelligence.

Whether you are interested in smartphones, earbuds or mobile AI, Unpacked 2026 is an event worth watching, as it not only reveals new products but also signals the strategic direction of the tech industry in the coming year.

Hai Phong