Samsung seems to be planning one other vital design shift for the Galaxy S26 Extremely, with new studies suggesting the flagship will function much more rounded corners than its predecessor. Whereas this transfer might modernize the system’s look, it raises severe questions on the way forward for the S Pen performance that has turn out to be synonymous with the Extremely lineup.

From Boxy to Rounded: Samsung’s Design Evolution

The Galaxy S collection has undergone a notable design transformation over the previous few years. For over a decade, from the unique Galaxy S by the S21 Extremely, Samsung maintained a constant design language characterised by rounded corners that grew to become the signature look of S-series gadgets.

This modified dramatically with the S22 Extremely in 2022, when Samsung merged the Galaxy Be aware and S collection right into a single flagship. The end result was a extra angular, Be aware-inspired design that emphasised the system’s productiveness credentials. Samsung maintained this boxier aesthetic for 3 consecutive generations earlier than starting to melt the method with the S25 Extremely, which launched barely extra rounded edges.

In accordance with distinguished leaker Ice Universe, the S26 Extremely will push this pattern even additional, that includes considerably extra rounded corners. Whereas the precise diploma of curvature stays unknown, early hypothesis suggests the design might method the rounded aesthetic of gadgets just like the rumored S25 Edge.

The S Pen Dilemma

The transfer towards rounder corners is not nearly aesthetics—it presents a real engineering problem for Samsung. The Galaxy Be aware collection at all times featured angular corners for a sensible motive: they offered the best housing for the S Pen. The stylus sits within the nook of the system, and the boxy design permits it to suit flush in opposition to the cellphone’s edge.

The S25 Extremely already demonstrates this drawback. Its barely rounded corners trigger the S Pen to protrude barely from the system, creating an uneven profile that impacts each the cellphone’s look and really feel. A extra dramatically curved design on the S26 Extremely would solely exacerbate this challenge, doubtlessly making the S Pen stick out even additional.

Potential Options

Samsung has a number of choices to handle this design problem. Essentially the most elegant resolution could be to revamp the S Pen itself, curving the tip to match the cellphone’s new contours. This method has precedent—Samsung used an analogous curved design for the Galaxy Be aware 2’s S Pen, proving that such modifications are technically possible.

Alternatively, Samsung might relocate the S Pen slot additional inward on the system, although this is able to sacrifice helpful inner house that would in any other case be used for battery capability or different parts.

The worst-case situation—eradicating the S Pen slot solely—appears extremely unlikely given the function’s significance to the Extremely model id. Such a transfer would probably generate vital backlash from the productivity-focused person base that gravitates towards Extremely gadgets particularly for his or her S Pen capabilities.

What We Know So Far

Present details about the S26 Extremely’s design comes primarily from early leaks and hypothesis. Extra concrete particulars sometimes emerge in September, when Pc-Aided Design (CAD) renders start circulating. Final yr’s S25 Extremely renders appeared on September tenth, suggesting we might see detailed S26 Extremely pictures throughout the coming weeks.

Past the rounded corners, the S26 Extremely is predicted to function a thinner profile and a doubtlessly redesigned digicam module. These adjustments, mixed with the brand new nook design, might signify one of the vital aesthetic updates in latest Galaxy historical past.

AI Enhancements: Gemini Reside Will get Smarter

Whereas design adjustments seize headlines, Samsung continues to speculate closely in synthetic intelligence options for its flagship gadgets. The S26 Extremely is predicted to showcase vital enhancements to Google’s Gemini AI assistant, which has turn out to be a cornerstone of Samsung’s AI technique.

Essentially the most notable improve includes Gemini Reside’s person interface. Presently, activating Gemini Reside takes over your complete display screen, disrupting the person’s workflow. Nonetheless, latest code evaluation suggests Google is testing a floating interface that will enable Gemini to seem as compact overlay playing cards whereas protecting different apps seen and purposeful.

This enhancement guarantees to make AI help far much less disruptive, enabling customers to entry Gemini’s capabilities whereas persevering with to make use of Maps, Calendar, or different functions. The function is predicted to roll out within the coming weeks, effectively earlier than the S26 Extremely’s launch.

Extra Gemini enhancements embody extra pure dialog skills, with the AI adjusting its tone based mostly on context—utilizing calmer tones for tense subjects and permitting customers to regulate talking velocity. For leisure functions, Gemini will even be capable to undertake completely different accents or mimic historic figures when telling tales.

Wanting Forward

The Galaxy S26 Extremely represents Samsung’s continued evolution of its flagship formulation. Whereas the transfer towards rounder corners might show controversial amongst customers preferring the present angular aesthetic, it demonstrates Samsung’s willingness to take design dangers in an more and more homogeneous smartphone market.

The success of those adjustments will in the end rely on Samsung’s execution, notably relating to the S Pen integration challenges. If the corporate can keep the stylus performance whereas reaching a extra fashionable design language, the S26 Extremely might set a brand new normal for flagship smartphones.

As we await extra concrete particulars within the coming months, one factor stays clear: Samsung is not content material to relaxation on the present Extremely formulation. Whether or not these adjustments signify progress or regression might be decided by each person reception and the sensible implementation of those formidable design objectives.