With the anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series just months away, the rumor mill has been in overdrive. However, the most definitive evidence yet has come from an unexpected source: Samsung itself. Internal code from an upcoming software update has inadvertently revealed official design assets, putting an end to speculation and confirming a significant aesthetic shift for the 2026 flagship lineup.
Samsung's Self-Leak Confirms the Rumors
The most credible leaks often come from within, and that's precisely what happened this week. Tech publication Android Authority discovered 2D illustrations of unreleased Samsung phones embedded within the source code for One UI 8.5, the next version of Samsung's Android skin. These internal assets, while not polished marketing renders, clearly depict the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. The devices are referenced by their internal codenames—M1, M2, and M3, respectively—which aligns perfectly with earlier leaks about Samsung's "Miracle" project. This discovery transforms previous speculation into near-certainty, as the information originates directly from Samsung's own development environment.
Key Details from the Leak:
- Source: 2D illustrations found in One UI 8.5 source code.
- Devices Confirmed: Galaxy S26 (codenamed M1), S26 Plus (M2), S26 Ultra (M3).
- Major Design Change: Floating camera rings replaced with a unified, pill-shaped camera island (similar to Galaxy Z Fold series).
- Form Factor: S26 Ultra shows more rounded corners compared to S25 Ultra.
- Launch Software: Confirmed to launch with One UI 8.5 (based on Android 16).
A Unified, Fold-Inspired Design Language
The leaked images confirm the biggest visual change for the S26 series: a complete redesign of the camera module. Gone are the individual, floating camera rings seen on the S25 series. In their place is a unified, pill-shaped camera island that houses all lenses within a single, protruding bump. This design language is a direct carryover from Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, marking a deliberate move toward a more cohesive and modern aesthetic across its premium product lines. The shift represents Samsung's largest camera redesign in several generations and signals a new design philosophy for its flagship S-series.
Refined Form Factor and Expected Hardware Upgrades
Beyond the camera, the renders provide clues about the devices' overall shape. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, in particular, appears to feature more rounded corners compared to the sharper, boxier design of the S25 Ultra. This change brings the Ultra model's design ethos closer to that of the standard S26 and S26 Plus, potentially improving in-hand comfort. While the code doesn't detail internal specifications, it corroborates earlier reports about hardware improvements. The S26 Ultra is widely expected to receive a new 3x telephoto sensor for improved mid-range zoom quality. The entire series is also rumored to support faster charging, with wired speeds potentially reaching 60W and wireless charging up to 25W.
Corroborated Rumored Specifications:
| Feature | Galaxy S26 Series (Rumored) |
|---|---|
| New Telephoto Sensor | S26 Ultra to feature a new 3x telephoto lens. |
| Wired Charging | Up to 60W (improvement over S25 series). |
| Wireless Charging | Up to 25W (improvement over S25 series). |
| Design Project | Part of Samsung's internal "Miracle" project. |
The Road to Launch and Software Integration
The presence of these assets in One UI 8.5 code is highly significant for the launch timeline. It strongly suggests the Galaxy S26 series will be the first devices to ship with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 out of the box. For current users, this discovery also hints at an imminent software beta. Reports indicate that Galaxy S25 owners may gain access to the One UI 8.5 beta program as early as the second week of December 2025, giving them a preview of the software their successors will debut with.
With the design now effectively confirmed by Samsung's own hand, the focus for the tech community will shift to final specifications, pricing, and performance benchmarks as the expected February 2026 launch event approaches. The accidental reveal has made one thing clear: Samsung is preparing a visually distinct new chapter for its most important smartphone family.