TLDR: Samsung’s Mobile eXperience (MX) division is projecting an ambitious 36 million unit sales for its upcoming Galaxy S26 series in 2026, a significant increase over its predecessor. This optimistic outlook is primarily fueled by the integration of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which the company believes will be a major differentiator in the competitive smartphone market. The S26 series is expected to feature next-gen AI, new camera sensors, and a 2nm-based Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
Samsung’s Mobile eXperience (MX) division has set an ambitious target of selling 36 million units of its upcoming Galaxy S26 series in 2026, a move that underscores the company’s aggressive strategy to leverage the booming artificial intelligence market. This projection, initially reported by the Korean publication Maeil Business News, highlights Samsung’s confidence in its next-generation flagship smartphones.
The projected 36 million sales for the Galaxy S26 series represent a substantial leap compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25, which sold 22 million units in the first half of its launch year. Samsung aims to sell 24 million S26 units within the first six months alone, indicating a strong anticipated market reception.
The core of Samsung’s optimistic forecast lies in the integration of advanced artificial intelligence features. The company attributes the better-than-expected performance of its Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 models to their AI capabilities, positioning AI as the primary growth driver for the S26 series. The S26 phones are expected to feature new camera sensors, a new chip (either the in-house 2nm-based Exynos 2600 or the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, depending on the market), and ‘next-gen AI’ as key differentiators.
Beyond the S26 series, Samsung’s broader mobile strategy for 2026 includes selling 5 million foldable phones (Galaxy Fold 7 and Flip 7) and 27 million Galaxy Tab models. The company’s overall smartphone lineup is projected to hit 240 million units globally, with the MX division aiming for a revenue exceeding $90 billion, or approximately 130 trillion won.
Industry analysts view Samsung’s target as a calculated gamble. Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading tech market analyst, commented, ‘Samsung’s 35 million sales target for the Galaxy S26 AI is certainly ambitious, but it reflects a calculated gamble.’ She further emphasized that ‘true innovation now lies in software and AI, especially on-device AI that empowers users without compromising privacy or relying solely on network speeds.’ This sentiment aligns with Samsung’s strategic focus on AI to lead the rapidly evolving AI phone market.
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Rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 series could debut as early as February 25, 2026, potentially during a Samsung event in San Francisco, California. The success of this launch will be a critical test for Samsung’s aggressive AI-centric approach and its ability to deliver compelling, genuinely smarter mobile experiences to consumers.
