Samsung Galaxy S26: Exynos Return and Potential Name Changes
Samsung is rumored to reintroduce Exynos chips in its Galaxy S26 series, slated for a Q1 2026 launch. This move could reduce Samsung's reliance on Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips for its flagship phones. The S26 series is expected to run on the new Exynos 2600 chip, addressing prior performance issues.
The Galaxy S25 series, launching soon, will use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chips due to production problems with the Exynos 2500. The Exynos 2500 may now power mid-range devices like the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Flip FE. A successful Exynos 2600 would bolster Samsung's technological independence and lower costs.
Rumors also suggest potential name changes for the S26 lineup. The base S26 might be discontinued, the Ultra could become the S26 Note, and the S26+ might be renamed S26 Pro. These changes are unconfirmed but hint at a possible branding shift. For more on Samsung's chip strategies, see Apple's move towards in-house chips.
While these rumors seem strategically sound, they remain speculative. No official confirmation from Samsung exists, so plans could change. The return to Exynos aligns with Samsung's goal of greater technological autonomy. If the rumors hold, a significantly improved Exynos processor could feature prominently in early 2026. For insights into AI chip development, see Apple's Baltra AI chip. In the meantime, focus remains on the upcoming Galaxy S25 launch. To stay updated on the latest smartphone trends, check out Xiaomi 15 Ultra's global launch.