Samsung Galaxy S26 Leak Confirms Biggest Redesign in Years
Samsung Galaxy S26 has stepped into the spotlight after a fresh firmware leak exposed its new design. Test files inside a One UI 8.5 build revealed crude yet official-looking renders of the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. These images confirm Samsung’s biggest design shift since the S22 era.
Moreover, the leak shows Samsung moving away from its trademark floating camera rings. The floating layout shaped recent flagships, but the S26 lineup now adopts a pill-shaped camera island with circular cutouts for each lens.
New Camera Island Brings Fold-Style Aesthetic
The renders match earlier reports that hinted at Samsung’s internal “Miracle” project. As leaked, the new island resembles the Fold series design language. Therefore, Samsung appears ready to unify the look of its premium lineup.
Additionally, all three Galaxy S26 models carry the same camera shape. This creates a more cohesive identity across the standard, Plus, Ultra, and foldable segments.
Rounded Corners for the Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra also takes a noticeable turn in design. It now features slightly rounded corners instead of the sharp, slab-like edges of the S25 Ultra. Consequently, the Ultra sits closer visually to the regular S26 models. This is the first time in years that Samsung has softened the Ultra’s silhouette.
One UI 8.5 Also Breaks Cover
The firmware files confirm that the Galaxy S26 series will launch with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16. Previous reports suggested that Galaxy S25 devices may receive a beta build in mid-December. This leak strengthens those predictions and hints that Samsung’s announcement cycle may be closer than expected.
What This Means for Samsung Fans
With Samsung unintentionally confirming the camera island and the cleaner rear layout, the redesign moves from rumour to reality. The Galaxy S26 lineup now appears set for its biggest visual refresh in years. And with firmware leaks surfacing this early, the official launch window may be much nearer than anticipated.
