Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series is poised for a significant overhaul, potentially introducing a new nomenclature and model lineup that deviates from its established pattern. Evidence from an internal One UI 8 build suggests that the traditional “Plus” model may be replaced, and even the standard “Galaxy S26” variant could be absent, making way for a more premium-focused series.
Previously, rumors indicated that Samsung might drop the “Plus” model in 2026, introducing an “Edge” model in its stead, leading to a projected lineup of Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra. However, new findings from an internal One UI 8 build point to an even more dramatic shift. According to the uncovered codenames and device names, the Galaxy S26 series may comprise the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. This implies that Samsung could rename its base model to “Pro” and effectively replace the “Plus” model with an “Edge” variant.
To contextualize this potential change, it’s helpful to look at previous codenaming conventions. For the Galaxy S24 lineup, Samsung reportedly used the internal codename “Eureka,” with E1, E2, and E3 corresponding to the standard, Plus, and Ultra models, respectively. The Galaxy S25 series, codenamed “Paradigm,” assigned PA1 to the standard S25, PA2 to the S25 Plus, and PA3 to the S25 Ultra. Earlier reports had suggested internal codenames NP1, NP2, and NP3 for the Galaxy S26 series, with “NP” standing for “Next Paradigm.” However, the One UI 8 firmware contradicts these earlier leaks. Instead, the internal builds reference three devices labeled M1, M2, and M3. These designations map to the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra, respectively.
The allocation of “M1” to a “Pro” variant is particularly noteworthy, as historically, the number “1” has represented the base model in Samsung’s past lineups. The absence of codenames like “M0” or “M4” further suggests that a standard or vanilla “Galaxy S26” model might not be part of the upcoming release. This restructuring could signal a strategic repositioning by Samsung towards a more premium-centric approach. By elevating the base model to a “Pro” designation, the company might be hinting at enhanced specifications or a higher price point compared to the current entry-level Galaxy S25 model. The introduction of an “Edge” variant in place of the “Plus” model, alongside the retention of the top-tier Ultra model, further reinforces this premium-focused strategy.
While these insights are derived from an internal One UI 8 build, and Samsung’s final plans remain subject to change before the official unveiling of the Galaxy S26 series, the evidence aligns with previous industry rumors regarding the potential discontinuation of the “Plus” model. Furthermore, these findings support an earlier hint from leaker Yogesh Brar, who also alluded to a rebranding effort by Samsung, though the specifics of that effort were not fully aligned with the current One UI 8 build information.
