Early Galaxy S26 firmware leak hints at bold circular camera design [Photo: X]
A new leak from Samsung’s internal software has offered a first clear peek at the upcoming Galaxy S26 family. The leak suggests that the 2026 flagship phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra, will adopt a striking, unified design. Enthusiasts and rivals alike are watching closely, as the devices seem to mark a shift in Samsung’s flagship styling.
If Samsung sticks to its usual schedule, the Galaxy S26 series could debut around February 2026. Until then, leaks, firmware, design renders, and component tips will likely keep surfacing. But if this early leak is accurate, we may be in for one of Samsung’s most visually cohesive and polished flagship launches yet.
According to the leak, the S26 series moves to a fresh aesthetic with circular camera modules set inside a slightly raised camera island. Rumoured internal model names M1, M2 and M3 — all share this same design cue, giving the series a cohesive premium look.
Notably, the S26 Ultra appears to ditch the sharp, angular styling of its predecessor. Instead, it embraces curved corners and a smoother build, hinting at a more refined and handling‑friendly design.
The leak reportedly comes from firmware for the unreleased One UI 8.5, based on Android 16. Early builds surfaced in Samsung’s test system, and insiders say S26 phones will ship with this new software.
The firm may also offer the update to current S25 models via an early December beta. This suggests that Samsung not only plans to upgrade hardware design but also to refine the software experience to complement the new look.
While the firmware leak doesn’t confirm full specs, leaks and speculation hint at likely hardware choices. The flagship chips could include Qualcomm’s next‑gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 for many markets, with some regions getting the usual Exynos variant.
The S26 Ultra may feature enhancements to its camera setup and improved computational photography, underlining Samsung’s ongoing focus on imaging.
Battery capacity reportedly stays at 5,000 mAh — the same as the S25 Ultra. If true, this suggests battery tech might remain similar, with only modest improvements on the endurance front.
With the S26 family, Samsung appears to be aiming for a unified design philosophy across its flagship lineup. The circular camera module, smooth curved edges, and a shared software base could help the brand deliver a refined identity and improve user experience.
For consumers, this could mean choosing any model and enjoying a consistent design language. For Samsung, it signals a move to elevate its flagship series’ aesthetics and stand out in a crowded market.
