Are flagship smartphones becoming indistinguishable from one another? The latest leak suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra might take a page from the iPhone's design playbook—and it’s sparking some heated debates. If you’ve ever felt like all high-end phones are starting to blend together, this rumor might just confirm your worst fears. But here’s where it gets controversial: could Samsung’s shift toward a more rounded display design be a step in the right direction, or is it a blatant copycat move? Let’s dive in.
While the Galaxy S26 series is still months away from its official debut, the rumor mill is already churning at full speed. A recent leak from the well-known tipster Ice Universe on X (formerly Twitter) has set the tech world abuzz. The leaked images and video showcase what appears to be the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new display design, drawing comparisons to both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. And this is the part most people miss: the S26 Ultra’s display isn’t just a minor tweak—it’s noticeably more rounded than its predecessor, inching closer to the iPhone’s aesthetic.
If these leaks hold true, Samsung seems to be embracing a more streamlined look, potentially addressing user complaints about the S25 Ultra’s uncomfortable grip. The shared video offers a glimpse of how this design might feel in real-world use, hinting at a sleeker, more ergonomic experience. But is this enough to justify the shift, or is Samsung losing its unique identity?
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: these design changes aren’t limited to the Ultra model. A previous leak from Ice Universe revealed a screen protector reportedly designed for the entire Galaxy S26 lineup, suggesting this rounded aesthetic could be a series-wide update. One tweet even boldly claims, ‘The R angle design of S26 Ultra is more beautiful than that of S25 Ultra,’ sparking a wave of mixed reactions from tech enthusiasts.
Beyond design, the Galaxy S26 series is shrouded in other rumors. One of the most concerning? A potential delay in its release. According to sources, the poor sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge have led Samsung to scrap plans for an S26 Edge model. This last-minute change has reportedly pushed the Galaxy Unpacked event to late February, with the phones hitting shelves by mid-March at the earliest.
But that’s not all—there’s also talk of a price hike. Rising costs of key components like RAM and chips could force Samsung to increase the S26 Ultra’s price tag. While the company might offset this by reusing parts from older models (like the camera sensor) or expanding the use of the Exynos 2600 chip, a price increase seems inevitable. The burning question: Will it stay under $100 more than its predecessor, as some experts predict, or will Samsung risk alienating budget-conscious buyers?
As with all leaks, it’s wise to take these details with a grain of salt. The S26 series is still in its early rumor phase, and plans could change. But one thing’s for sure: this next generation of Samsung phones is already stirring up strong opinions. Are you excited for the Galaxy S26, or are you holding out for the S27 series? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on Samsung’s bold new direction!
