- The new Samsung Galaxy S26 series design leak from One UI 8.5 reveals Samsung’s strongest hint yet of the final S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra designs.
- All three models appear with a unified vertical camera island, while the Ultra keeps extra sensors that confirm its higher camera hardware.
- The leak suggests Samsung is moving toward a single design language across the lineup, even if it may reduce the visual difference of the premium Ultra model.
I recently came across a major revelation about the Galaxy S26 series design while examining Samsung’s latest software update. Hidden within One UI 8.5 are image assets that appear to depict the actual devices, offering what may be our closest look at the lineup ahead of its official unveiling. These renders provide an early preview of what Samsung might be planning. Here’s what the images show, why they matter, and which questions still remain unanswered.
Codenames inside One UI point to the S26 lineup
Security researchers and code analysts found several new assets tied to Samsung’s internal codenames:
- M1 for the Galaxy S26
- M2 for the Galaxy S26+
- M3 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra
The images only show the back of each device, but the designs are consistent with previous reports, which adds credibility to the leak. Still, experts note that assets like these could represent early prototypes or placeholders, so nothing is guaranteed until Samsung officially confirms the details.
Revamped vertical camera module across the series
The biggest potential change is the camera design. Instead of the separate “floating” lenses used on recent Galaxy S models, the renders show a single vertical camera module housing three lenses on all three devices. It’s a cleaner, more uniform layout that also aligns with what Samsung has already done on many of its Galaxy A-series phones.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra still appears to include extra sensors outside the main camera module, a reminder that Samsung isn’t backing away from giving its top-end model more advanced imaging hardware, even if the overall design becomes more consistent across the lineup.
Samsung’s balancing act: consistency vs. premium identity
If these renders reflect Samsung’s final vision, the S26 family may mark the most unified design language the series has seen in years. Making the entire Galaxy lineup instantly recognizable could strengthen Samsung’s branding, especially as the smartphone market becomes more visually uniform.
But there’s another side to it. Flagship buyers often expect a phone that looks unmistakably premium. By bringing the Galaxy S26 Ultra closer in appearance to the standard models, Samsung risks blurring the line between its top-tier and mainstream offerings. The Ultra would still stand out through its hardware, but the visual distinction may not be as strong as before.
