- Samsung increased Galaxy S26 Ultra units production from about 2.5–2.9 million to nearly 3.5–3.9 million units for the first two months of launch.
- The higher Galaxy S26 Ultra units production helps Samsung secure chips and memory early before expected price increases later in 2026.
- Samsung plans around 18 million Ultra devices for the year, meaning the Galaxy S26 Ultra units production will make up roughly 60% of total S26 series output.
Samsung has reportedly stepped up its upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra production just ahead of its expected debut at the next Galaxy Unpacked event. A report from a South Korean publication claims the company expanded its initial manufacturing plan and added nearly one million additional units for the launch timeline.
While Samsung has not officially confirmed the adjustment, the plan suggests the company is expanding its supply strategy to manage costs and ensure strong availability of its premium flagship at launch.
Galaxy S26 Ultra production increase arrives late in the schedule
According to ET News, Samsung had initially planned to manufacture roughly 2.5 to 2.9 million Galaxy S26 Ultra units during the first two months after release. That estimate has now reportedly increased to 3.5 to 3.9 million units, marking a notable late-stage jump in production.
Such a sizeable revision close to launch is uncommon for high-end smartphones, which typically involve complex supply chains and carefully timed production cycles.
Rising component costs may be driving the decision
Industry reports indicate the increase is not solely about demand expectations. Instead, it appears linked to cost control.
Prices for semiconductors and memory components have begun trending upward again. By producing more units early, while component pricing remains relatively stable, Samsung may be attempting to avoid higher manufacturing costs later in 2026.
It is basically a way to reduce risk. If prices increase in the second half of 2026, Samsung already has stock produced at a lower cost. You can say Samsung is sort of preparing inventory early. It is not exactly unusual, but the size of the increase is quite large this time.
This decision mostly protects Samsung’s profit margins on the Ultra model, which is the most expensive device in the lineup. Even after the early increase, Samsung’s full-year target stays around 18 million units for the Ultra.
Protecting margins on the premium Ultra model
The Galaxy Ultra series sits at the top of Samsung’s smartphone lineup and typically delivers higher profit margins than standard models.
Producing more units early allows Samsung to build inventory at lower component costs, helping preserve profitability even if parts become more expensive later in the year.
Importantly, the report states Samsung’s full-year production target remains around 18 million Galaxy S26 Ultra units. This indicates the company has adjusted its production timing rather than increasing total output.
Ultra model remains central to Samsung’s 2026 strategy
Samsung is also expected to manufacture about 12 million combined units of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus models. The contrast highlights the Ultra variant’s role as the flagship centerpiece of the lineup.
A larger initial inventory could also improve launch availability. Ultra models often sell out quickly, but the increased production may help prevent early shortages and stabilize supply.
Overall, Samsung’s reported decision to boost Galaxy S26 Ultra production ahead of launch appears to be a strategic response to rising semiconductor costs and ongoing supply chain uncertainties. Although the total annual production target remains unchanged, shifting more output to the early phase could help protect margins and ensure better availability when sales begin.
